Merab Dvalishvili has been released following a physical altercation at the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi. The incident occurred on Wednesday during an interview before an RAF gala. Usman Nurmagomedov and his companions approached Dvalishvili from behind and struck him, which triggered a general fight. Both Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Sentencing for those involved in the fight
The Emirati Judicial Department announced decisions on Friday regarding the participants. Six individuals received six months in prison for causing public disorder, creating panic, and endangering security. These six people also face a fine of 300,000 dirhams, which is approximately 80,000 dollars, and they will be deported after serving their sentences. Two people who filmed the fight also received six months in prison, a 300,000 dirham fine, and deportation because the court cited privacy violations through video recording and public distribution.
| Participant | Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Six accused | 6 months prison and deportation | 300,000 dirhams |
| Two videographers | 6 months prison and deportation | 300,000 dirhams |
| Dvalishvili and one other | No prison | 50,000 dirhams |
Dvalishvili and another participant escaped prison time but must pay a 50,000 dirham fine, or about 14,000 dollars, for disturbing the peace and aggression. UFC president Dana White called the situation "absolutely ridiculous" and a "big stupidity." He noted that the incident puts everyone involved in a bad light and said, "This is not a place where you do whatever you want."
Tensions between Georgia and Daghestan
The conflict follows a July event in Georgia where Dvalishvili slapped Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, a relative of the Nurmagomedov family. During the Abu Dhabi incident, Usman Nurmagomedov was accompanied by several fighters from Daghestan, while 21 year old wrestler Saba Lazishvili assisted Dvalishvili. Dvalishvili criticized the attackers, saying, "Umar Nurmagomedov and his friends came sneakily, like snakes, and attacked me from behind." He added, "You are cowards!"
Arman Tsarukyan urged both sides to settle the matter to prevent it from becoming an interethnic conflict between Georgia and Daghestan. Khabib Nurmagomedov invited Dvalishvili to Daghestan to make peace, but the Georgian fighter refused the proposal.
