"They Are Not Released Yet": Merab Dvalishvili Behind Bars After Alleged Usman Nurmagomedov Attack Sparks Chaos

Merab Dvalishvili still behind bars after shocking Abu Dhabi fight fallout.© NDTV Photo Library

Merab Dvalishvili is still being held in Abu Dhabi after the hotel-lobby brawl involving Usman Nurmagomedov. His scheduled wrestling match against Marlon Moraes at RAF Abu Dhabi is now in serious doubt. Abu Dhabi police have arrested 10 people in connection with the incident, including eight involved in the fight and two who filmed it. Dvalishvili was attacked while giving an interview ahead of Saturday's Real American Freestyle event. Footage shows Nurmagomedov approaching him from behind and slapping him before a multi-person brawl broke out between the two camps.

???? Full footage of the scuffle between Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili https://t.co/SGJzkQdFif

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 11, 2026

Saba Lazishvili's brother shares a worrying update on Merab's detention

Merab Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili were taken in for questioning after the fight. Zviad Lazishvili, Saba's brother, said both men remained in custody nearly 24 hours later.[

“Unfortunately, my brother Saba and Merab, both of them, are in jail up until now,” Zviad said in a video released on social media. “They are not released yet, and they're saying that they might stay there 48 hours, and then a judge will decide how things will unfold.”

Zviad argued that the two were only defending themselves after being jumped. “My brothers didn't do anything bad,” he said. “They had no other choice but to fight and fight back.”

Abu Dhabi police arrest 10 after hotel brawl

Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that eight individuals were arrested for their role in the brawl, while two others were detained for filming the incident. Police referred all 10 to the public prosecution for further legal proceedings.

Police did not name those arrested, leaving it unclear whether Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov were among the eight. However, multiple reports say both fighters remain in custody.

The incident occurred at the entrance of the Yas Hilton hotel, where Dvalishvili had been promoting RAF Abu Dhabi. The brawl followed what police described as “previous differences” between the two groups.

RAF CEO shares latest update

RAF co-owner and CEO Chad Bronstein said the organisation was working with UAE authorities to secure Dvalishvili's release. “We're working through the situation right now. Merab is doing well,” Bronstein said.

Merab Dvalishvili missed Thursday's pre-fight press conference, and his status for Saturday's bout against Moraes remains uncertain. RAF also confirmed that Usman Nurmagomedov will not be allowed to attend the event.

Usman Nurmagomedov's older brother, Umar, is scheduled to fight Urijah Faber at RAF Abu Dhabi. He was also absent from the press conference, though his involvement in the brawl has not been confirmed.