Conor McGregor Mocks Ilia Topuria After Merab Dvalishvili Brawl

Conor McGregor takes a dig at Ilia Topuria after shocking Merab Dvalishvili brawl.© NDTV Photo Library

Conor McGregor has weighed in on the altercation between Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili. The Irishman took to social media to imagine Ilia Topuria recreating his infamous bus attack at UFC 223. The post came after footage showed Nurmagomedov and members of his camp confronting Dvalishvili during a hotel-lobby interview in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili is preparing to face Marlon Moraes at Real American Freestyle Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The incident quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from several figures in the MMA world. This included Topuria, who condemned Nurmagomedov's group as "cowards".

McGregor recreates the infamous Khabib bus attack with a Topuria twist

Conor McGregor shared an edited image showing himself throwing a dolly at the bus carrying Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team ahead of UFC 223. But with Ilia Topuria's head placed on McGregor's body.

The original incident took place in Brooklyn in 2018, when McGregor and members of his entourage confronted the bus carrying Khabib's camp. McGregor threw a metal dolly through a window, shattering the glass and injuring Ray Borg and Michael Chiesa.

McGregor's post appeared to mock Topuria, who has previously drawn comparisons to the Irishman for his confidence and outspoken personality.

Topuria unleashes fury on Usman's camp

Ilia Topuria, a close friend of Merab Dvalishvili, shared footage of the incident and called Nurmagomedov's group “a bunch of cowards.” He also claimed Nurmagomedov had been detained following the brawl.

“Usman has reportedly been detained, along with the cowards who were with him,” Topuria wrote. "Honour, respect and humility aren't words you preach. They're values you live by. And you've shown none of them.”

Abu Dhabi authorities and RAF officials had not confirmed any formal detention at the time of the initial reports. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani said everyone involved, including Dvalishvili and his friend, was being questioned by police.

Dvalishvili claims Nurmagomedov's camp attacked him from behind

Merab Dvalishvili said he and his friend Saba Lazishvili were attacked from behind while filming an interview ahead of the RAF event. He accused Usman Nurmagomedov and his associates of punching and kicking them while security held him back.

The Georgian fighter posted videos showing blood on his face and severe swelling around his left eye. He challenged Nurmagomedov's camp to settle the issue in a fight rather than ambush him.