Ilia Topuria Releases Video That Puts Usman Nurmagomedov Under Spotlight After Merab Dvalishvili Clash

Ilia Topuria fires back at Usman Nurmagomedov© Instagram/ iliatopuria

Ilia Topuria has shared a 37-second video of the alleged ambush on Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili was rehearsing an RAF promo on Wednesday when a group with Usman Nurmagomedov reportedly approached him from behind. The footage shows a taller man in a black shirt and hat, possibly Nurmagomedov, getting Dvalishvili's attention and striking him in the face before a brawl breaks out. Dvalishvili says he and a friend faced “20 guys.” He is booked to wrestle Marlon Moraes at RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday, and Umar Nurmagomedov is on the same card.

What Does Ilia Topuria's Video Show About Merab Dvalishvili's Clash With Usman Nurmagomedov?

The clip runs 37 seconds and is chaotic. Dvalishvili is rehearsing when a group walks up behind him. A taller man in a black shirt and hat calls Dvalishvili over, then hits him in the face. After a quick cut, Dvalishvili and his friend are brawling with several members of the other group. At one point, a figure who looks like Dvalishvili is lifted and thrown to the ground.

Topuria shared the clip with a caption. The former two-division UFC champion wrote, “You're a bunch of cowards, and you'll be held accountable for what you've done. You're anything but real men.” He deleted the post later.

Dvalishvili posted a video first. “We bleed, we fight, we war, but you guys are just sneaky guys,” he said. “You guys aren't real men. This shows your guys' character, shows you guys are not real men.” He added, “I just came here in Abu Dhabi and then Usman, Umar, and his friends came in a sneaky way and tried to beat us. So many guys.”

Topuria Claims Usman Nurmagomedov Was Detained

Topuria followed with a longer post on X. “Usman has reportedly been detained, along with the cowards who were with him,” he wrote. “And these are the same people who dare to preach about humility and respect? What a disgrace. A bunch of absolute cowards.” He closed with, “Honor, respect, and humility aren't words you preach. They're values you live by. And you've shown none of them.”

The detention claim is unconfirmed. Neither Abu Dhabi authorities nor RAF officials had addressed any arrests when the first reports ran.

The feud has history. Dvalishvili beat Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025, and both camps have traded shots since. Dvalishvili says Umar was there Wednesday too.