Usman Nurmagomedov banned from RAF Abu Dhabi after sucker-punching Merab Dvalishvili

Usman Nurmagomedov has been barred from attending RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday after video emerged of the PFL lightweight champion approaching Merab Dvalishvili mid-interview and landing an unprovoked shot on the former UFC bantamweight champion, triggering an all-out brawl involving members of both camps.

RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein addressed the incident at Thursday’s pre-event press conference, stating that the promotion does not condone the behaviour and describing it as an unfortunate situation. “We’re hoping that the situation gets resolved, sooner than later,” Bronstein said. “And obviously, Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night.”

The fallout extends beyond Nurmagomedov’s ban. The status of both Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov — who was also involved in the altercation — remains uncertain for Saturday’s card. Neither fighter appeared at the press conference, and the promotion has yet to confirm whether their bouts will proceed as scheduled.

Dvalishvili is set to face Marlon Moraes, while Umar Nurmagomedov is booked to take on Urijah Faber at the promotion’s inaugural Abu Dhabi event. A decision on both fighters is expected within the next day or two as RAF works through the details.

Bronstein offered no further specifics on the disciplinary process, but the swift action against Usman Nurmagomedov signals that RAF is moving quickly to contain the damage ahead of its first major event in the UAE.