Usman Nurmagomedov and several members of his entourage have received prison sentences and substantial fines in Abu Dhabi following a shocking attack at a hotel.
Nurmagomedov confronted UFC star Merab Dvalishvili at the Yas Hilton on Wednesday, striking him in the lobby during an apparent revenge attack that was filmed by people in his group.
Dvalishvili, the Georgian-American fighter, fought back alongside his cameraman as the confrontation quickly erupted into a chaotic brawl. He was left with visible cuts and bruises, while those involved were swiftly taken into custody by authorities.
Just 48 hours later, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department announced the punishments on social media.
Six members of the group were sentenced to six months in prison and fined £61,000 each. They will be deported from the United Arab Emirates once their sentences have been completed.
The court said the men had “caused panic, disturbed public security and endangered lives.”
Two other associates of Nurmagomedov were fined £10,000 each after being found guilty of disturbing public security and assaulting others.
Usman Nurmagomedov (left) reportedly started the confrontation by slapping Merab Dvalishvili, while his brother Umar (right) lost a title fight to the Georgian last year
The Abu Dhabi court posted details of the attackers’ sentences online
The remaining two members of the party, who recorded the assault, were also handed six-month prison terms and £61,000 fines. Their recording devices were confiscated.
They were convicted of violating privacy laws by using information technology to record and distribute footage of the fight.
Dvalishvili had been scheduled to compete at a RAF wrestling event on Saturday. Chad Bronstein, the event’s CEO and co-founder, later confirmed that the UFC fighter had returned to the group.
Bronstein said: “I am pleased to share that Merab Dvalishvili is back with us in Abu Dhabi. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi for their professionalism and support.
“We remain focused on moving forward and are pleased to have Merab back with us.”
The confrontation was reportedly the result of tensions that had been building for four months.
In July, Dvalishvili had taken part in a RAF event in Georgia. The freestyle wrestling promotion allows UFC fighters to compete outside their mixed martial arts commitments.
While at the event, Dagestani wrestler Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, a friend of Umar Nurmagomedov, confronted Dvalishvili over his reluctance to consider another bout with Umar.
UFC star Merab Dvalishvili was attacked at a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday
Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Dvalishvili recalled: “I was super relaxed, super chilled and then somebody, Gadzhimagomedov, came and grabbed my neck and pulled me over and started yelling at me in Russian, which I hardly understand.
“He mentioned Umar. It took me a couple of seconds to realize, ‘Who is this guy to tell me what to talk about him?’
“It’s between me and Umar. I have so much respect for all Dagestani people, especially fighters. The only guy I don’t like from Dagestan is Umar and his sneaky manager, Rizvan, the guy who was helping Umar disrespect me on X and Threads.”
After Gadzhimagomedov confronted him, Dvalishvili pushed him by the neck and shouted: “What’s your problem, b***h?”
That incident was brought under control quickly, unlike the later hotel confrontation, and a child was reportedly nearby at the time.
Usman was said to have been seeking revenge for Gadzhimagomedov, as well as for his brother Umar, who lost a title challenge against Dvalishvili last year.
Footage from the hotel appeared to show the group approaching 35-year-old Dvalishvili from behind. One man spoke to him briefly before slapping him across the face.
Dvalishvili appeared stunned before being kicked, while another man who seemed to be accompanying him tried to restrain him.
He attempted to defend himself, but several men quickly surrounded him as his companion was also attacked. The groups were eventually separated, after which Dvalishvili addressed the incident on social media.
The 35-year-old was caught off guard while conducting an interview
Speaking while receiving treatment for his injuries, Dvalishvili said: “What a sneaky way, guys. Just two of us, me and my friend, came here in Abu Dhabi and Usman and his friends came like snakes from behind. What kind of fighters are you? What kind of man does this? If you want to fight, let’s do it the real way.
“You came when there were only two of us, and you were prepared. What the f***?”
His companion added: “From behind? You call yourselves men? You’re a little b***h.”
Dvalishvili continued: “You are sneaky guys. You are not real men. It shows your character. If you want to fight, let’s fight. We are fighters. I talk straight, but you came from behind. I don’t know how many of you there were, with all your friends waiting for us in a sneaky way.
“I knew what kind of guys you were. Usman, Umar and their friends came from behind with so many people. I am fine, guys. To all my friends and family, I am completely fine. I am a fighter. This is nothing for me, but it shows what kind of people you are. Cowards do this. We are warriors.”