Josh Hokit Slams Usman Nurmagomedov Over Merab Dvalishvili Hotel Brawl, Calls The Attack "Coward Sh*t"

Josh Hokit slams Usman Nurmagomedov over Merab Dvalishvili hotel attack© NDTV Library

Josh Hokit has strongly criticised Usman Nurmagomedov following the hotel lobby altercation involving Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi. The UFC heavyweight title challenger called the undefeated Russian a coward, questioning why he confronted the former bantamweight champion with several members of his team. Speaking at UFC 334 press conference in New York, Hokit did not mince his words. He argued that confronting someone one-on-one was different from attacking them as a group, making his position clear with some harsh remarks.

Josh Hokit Slams Usman Nurmagomedov for Attacking Merab Dvalishvili

Josh Hokit was asked about the incident involving Nurmagomedov and Dvalishvili during UFC 334 pre-fight press conference. The American immediately criticised the way the confrontation unfolded, suggesting that Nurmagomedov and his teammates showed cowardice by outnumbering their opponent.

Hokit said, “That's some coward s***, you know what I am saying? Cowards hide in numbers.”

The heavyweight contender continued his criticism, explaining that he could understand a direct confrontation between two fighters. He strongly disagreed with several people getting involved in an attack against one individual.

“I understand if you are going to confront someone one-on-one or slap someone, it's a one-on-one thing. But, you are going to have your whole team jump, that's some f****** pu*** sh*t”, he added.

The comments came after a chaotic incident at an Abu Dhabi hotel on Wednesday. Dvalishvili, popularly known as ‘The Machine', was filming an interview for Real American Freestyle (RAF) when Nurmagomedov approached him from behind and slapped him.

The situation escalated into a physical spat. Dvalishvili and his friend, 21-year-old wrestler Saba Lazishvili, were clearly outnumbered by Nurmagomedov's group.

Videos later showed Dvalishvili receiving medical attention with visible injuries and blood on his face. The Georgian fighter confirmed that he was fine but accused the group of continuing to kick him and Lazishvili while they were down.

Ali Abdelaziz Apologizes for Usman Nurmagomedov's Role in the Brawl

Usman Nurmagomedov's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, addressed the controversy and issued an apology to Abu Dhabi on his client's behalf.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz admitted that the incident was embarrassing and said the young fighters involved needed to learn from their actions.

“I'm truly sorry. It's embarrassing what happened. I hope these young men will get a good lesson. This is something that should not happen again”, he said.

He also acknowledged that Dvalishvili's previous actions did not justify the confrontation.

“Two wrongs doesn't make a right. I'm not going to sit here and say he did that or he didn't do that. These guys are young, and there's no words I can describe to say he was wrong. I think both parties were wrong, and two wrongs don't make a right, and it's a good lesson for everyone”, Ali added.

Nurmagomedov has also been linked with a potential UFC move following the end of his PFL contract and was reportedly arrested alongside Dvalishvili and eight others after the incident.