Pros condemn Usman Nurmagomedov after sucker-slap ambush on Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi

Usman Nurmagomedov ignited a firestorm of criticism across the MMA world after ambushing Merab Dvalishvili during a media interview in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, slapping the former UFC bantamweight champion without warning before a full brawl erupted around them.

The incident unfolded as Dvalishvili was mid-interview when Nurmagomedov approached and landed a slap within a split second of arriving. The confrontation quickly escalated into a melee involving members of Nurmagomedov’s team, including his brother Umar Nurmagomedov, as well as a friend of Dvalishvili who was standing alongside him at the time.

RAF security officials moved in to separate the fighters, though the chaotic scene continued for several moments before order was restored.

The reaction from professional fighters was swift and largely one-sided. Across social media, MMA pros lined up to condemn the attack, with the consensus framing it as a cowardly and indefensible act — a group ambush on a man who was standing still and speaking to a camera.

The timing adds a layer of controversy. Nurmagomedov has been widely regarded as the most coveted free agent in combat sports following his departure from Bellator, making the incident all the more damaging to his public standing at a moment when he had significant leverage and goodwill to spend.

Dvalishvili, who recently held the UFC bantamweight title, was in Abu Dhabi ahead of a fight event scheduled for Saturday. The brawl has cast a shadow over the card and raised questions about what consequences, if any, Nurmagomedov and his team may face from relevant athletic commissions or promotions.