Usman Nurmagomedov sentenced to six months in Abu Dhabi jail for hotel attack on Merab Dvalishvili

Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated PFL lightweight champion, has been sentenced to six months in prison by Abu Dhabi authorities following a hotel lobby attack on UFC bantamweight Merab Dvalishvili, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department confirmed on Friday.

Dvalishvili was conducting a media interview at the Yas Hilton when Nurmagomedov and his associates approached him from behind, slapping him in the face and triggering a brawl that left Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili injured. All men involved were taken into custody at the scene.

Six unnamed defendants were sentenced to six months in prison for disturbing public security, causing panic, and endangering lives. Each was also fined Dh300,000 ($80,000) and ordered to be deported from the United Arab Emirates upon completing their sentences.

Two individuals who filmed and published footage of the brawl received identical sentences — six months in prison, a Dh300,000 fine, and deportation — after being found guilty of “violating privacy by using information technology to film and publish footage of the brawl,” according to the Judicial Department.

Two further defendants avoided jail time but were fined Dh50,000 ($14,000) each for disturbing public security and assaulting others. Dvalishvili himself was fined but was not sentenced to prison, and his release from custody was confirmed by RAF on Friday.

Nurmagomedov had travelled to the UAE to coach his brother Umar Nurmagomedov, who was scheduled to compete in a wrestling match against Urijah Faber at RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The attack took place the Wednesday before that event.