Usman Nurmagomedov barred from RAF Abu Dhabi after hotel brawl with Dvalishvili

Usman Nurmagomedov has been barred from Real American Freestyle’s Abu Dhabi card on Saturday after a hotel brawl involving former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and members of both fighters’ camps. RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein confirmed the ban at Thursday’s press conference, while Abu Dhabi Police announced ten arrests in connection with the altercation.

Footage that surfaced Wednesday appeared to show Nurmagomedov and several members of his team approaching Dvalishvili from behind while the Georgian was giving an interview at the hotel. Nurmagomedov appeared to strike Dvalishvili before the confrontation escalated into a wider brawl.

“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.” Bronstein added that RAF did not condone the incident.

Abu Dhabi Police confirmed in an official statement that eight people had been arrested over the fight, which they said stemmed from “previous differences” between those involved. A further two individuals were arrested for filming the incident. Police did not identify any of those detained, leaving it unclear whether Nurmagomedov or Dvalishvili was among them, with all ten referred to the General Prosecutor.

The fallout has cast doubt over Saturday’s event. Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes in a wrestling match at RAF Abu Dhabi, while Umar Nurmagomedov — Usman’s cousin — is booked to meet Urijah Faber. Neither Dvalishvili nor Umar Nurmagomedov attended Thursday’s press conference, and their availability for the event remained uncertain as of Thursday.