Russian MMA fighter Usman Nurmagomedov was reportedly detained and questioned by police in Abu Dhabi following a violent confrontation with former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili on November 11, 2026. The incident occurred at a hotel ahead of the Real American Freestyle wrestling event, leaving Dvalishvili and his companion with visible facial injuries.
Reports of Nurmagomedov’s detention emerged after footage of the altercation circulated widely on social media. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that everyone involved had been taken to a police station for questioning. However, Abu Dhabi authorities have not publicly confirmed any formal arrest, criminal charges or the outcome of the investigation.
Why Was Usman Nurmagomedov Reportedly Detained?
Nurmagomedov, 28, became involved in a confrontation with Dvalishvili at the Yas Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The incident happened while Dvalishvili was participating in a media interview ahead of the RAF wrestling event scheduled for November 14 at Etihad Arena.
Video footage shows Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili with several associates. He appears to exchange words with the Georgian fighter before striking him across the face.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation involving several people.
Dvalishvili’s companion, Saba Lazishvili, was also involved and appeared injured afterward.
Following the incident, Helwani reported that the participants, including Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov, had been taken to a police station for questioning.
The journalist indicated that Dvalishvili was not personally pressing charges. Authorities reportedly became involved because the confrontation occurred in a public area and was captured on camera.
Merab Dvalishvili Shares Video of His Injuries
Dvalishvili posted footage showing blood on his face and swelling around his left eye following the confrontation.
He accused Nurmagomedov and his associates of approaching him unexpectedly while he was conducting an interview.
“Was doing an interview for RAF in hotel lobby and Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend,” Dvalishvili wrote.
He also alleged that security personnel restrained him while members of the opposing group continued striking him and his companion.
The former UFC champion later reassured followers about his condition.
“I’m fine, guys, all my friends and family, I’m fine,” he said.
The footage attracted widespread attention because of the number of people involved and the visible injuries suffered by Dvalishvili.
Ilia Topuria Reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov Detention Reports
Former two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria publicly criticized Nurmagomedov and the other individuals involved.
Topuria shared footage of the confrontation on X before subsequently deleting the post.
“You’re a bunch of cowards, and you’ll be held accountable for what you’ve done,” Topuria wrote. “You’re anything but real men.”
In another message, Topuria claimed that Nurmagomedov and several associates had reportedly been detained.
His statement contributed to the spread of arrest reports, although the detention claims were not independently confirmed by Abu Dhabi police.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev offered a different perspective, defending Nurmagomedov and referring to an earlier confrontation involving Dvalishvili and a Dagestani fighter.
Makhachev argued that the dispute had developed from previous incidents between the two groups.
What Caused the Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili Rivalry?
The conflict between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov family dates back to UFC 311 in January 2025.
Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman’s older brother, by unanimous decision to retain the UFC bantamweight championship.
The fight followed months of public disagreements between the two athletes.
Their rivalry continued after the bout, including a confrontation involving Dvalishvili and an associate of Umar at a wrestling event in Georgia.
Usman Nurmagomedov is a former Bellator and PFL lightweight champion and a cousin of retired UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
He has an unbeaten professional record of 22 victories, with one additional bout ruled a no contest.
His most recent fight took place in July 2026, when he defeated Archie Colgan by first-round knockout to defend his PFL lightweight championship.
Will Usman Nurmagomedov Face Criminal Charges?
As of November 12, Abu Dhabi police have not publicly announced criminal charges against Nurmagomedov or confirmed whether he remains in custody.
The reported questioning does not establish that he has been formally charged with an offense.
Real American Freestyle organizers are expected to address the confrontation during a scheduled pre-event press conference.
Nurmagomedov is not scheduled to compete at RAF Abu Dhabi but traveled to support his brother Umar, who is expected to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber.
Dvalishvili is scheduled to compete against former UFC title challenger Marlon Moraes at the same event.
His participation remains uncertain following the injuries he sustained during the hotel confrontation.
The status of the police investigation, any potential legal proceedings and the fighters’ involvement in the November 14 event remain subject to further official confirmation.
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