Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov, says Merab Dvalishvili 'started' the brawl

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev defended Usman Nurmagomedov on Wednesday, hours after Usman attacked former bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby. In a social media post, translated by Uncrowned's Kristina Avsarkisova, Makhachev wrote that "whatever happened today, was started by Merab."

Makhachev is a longtime teammate of Usman and his older brother, Umar. His coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is their cousin. We think his post is a bigger story than the rest of the reaction, because a reigning UFC champion is openly backing a filmed attack from behind.

What happened in Abu Dhabi

Dvalishvili was giving an interview for Real American Freestyle (RAF), the wrestling league, when Usman came up from behind, The National reported. Dvalishvili turned, Usman hit him, and a brawl broke out. The attack was caught on video. Dvalishvili was left with a cut on his head and was treated by medics.

He described it himself on Instagram. "Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend," he wrote, as quoted by Sherdog. He also said Umar was there. That is his claim alone; the video reports name Usman.

He also wrote, as quoted by CBS Sports: "Security was holding me -- they kept kicking us when we were down like losers." In a video, he told fans: "I'm fine," and "This is nothing for me," according to SB Nation.

Makhachev's case

Makhachev's post points back to July. Backstage at RAF Georgia in Tbilisi, Dvalishvili slapped Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, a friend and training partner of the Nurmagomedovs. "Why were you silent when Merab hit a Dagestani wrestler for no reason and insulted his honor?" Makhachev asked, as quoted by SB Nation. He wrote that the man "approached him to talk with no ill intent," and accused Dvalishvili of insulting the man's mother.

Arman Tsarukyan, who saw the July incident, backs that version: SB Nation reports he said Gadzhimagomedov only asked Dvalishvili not to disrespect Umar. Dvalishvili has told it differently. He told Ariel Helwani that someone grabbed his neck first and that the slap came after, Boxing News reported.

The feud started at UFC 311 in January 2025, when Dvalishvili beat Umar by unanimous decision to keep the bantamweight title. He closed as a +215 underdog that night, about a 30% chance, against Umar at -273, per our closing odds.

The other side, and the police

Ilia Topuria, Dvalishvili's fellow Georgian, posted video of the attack and later deleted it, The National reported. On X he called the group "cowards" and claimed Usman had "reportedly been detained," MMA Sucka reported. No official has confirmed that.

Helwani reported something different. He wrote on X that everyone involved, Dvalishvili and his friend included, was at a police station for questioning, MiddleEasy reported. His understanding is that Dvalishvili "isn't the one pressing charges," but that the incident happened in public and was filmed.

No charges have been reported. Usman and Umar have not commented on the attack, and neither have Abu Dhabi police or RAF, which has not answered The National's request for comment.

Where everyone stands

Usman, 28, is 22-0 with one no contest. His PFL contract ended on July 31 with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan, as lightweight champion. He is now a free agent, according to The National. Umar is 20-2 and lost his last fight to Song Yadong in August, per our records.

Dvalishvili has lost twice in a row to Petr Yan, most recently on October 24. Makhachev is 29-1 on a 17-fight win streak, with no fight booked.

RAF Abu Dhabi goes ahead on Saturday at Etihad Arena, headlined by Khamzat Chimaev against Chris Weidman. Dvalishvili is still listed for a wrestling match with Marlon Moraes, and Umar for one with Urijah Faber. RAF has announced no change, and it is unclear whether either will compete.