Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov's brutal attack on Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi

Merab Dvalishvili and Saba Lazishvili remain in police custody in Abu Dhabi following an ambush by Usman Nurmagomedov’s entourage, according to Yahoo Sports coverage dated November 11, 2026. The coverage does not yet specify the exact injuries sustained or the precise charges filed against those detained.

Islam Makhachev has defended Nurmagomedov by blaming Merab Dvalishvili for sparking the feud at UFC Georgia that led to the attack, Yahoo Sports reports. Ali Abdelaziz condemned Nurmagomedov’s conduct as unacceptable. UFC fighters have reacted to the ambush, and Sports Illustrated reports that UFC star Ilia Topuria went off on Usman Nurmagomedov after the Merab Dvalishvili attack. Yahoo Sports also published commentary asking whether the cowardly attack will test the UFC’s moral compass. The coverage does not yet specify whether the UFC has issued an official disciplinary statement.

The incident follows a pre-existing feud between the camps that became visible at UFC Georgia, according to Makhachev’s comments as relayed by Yahoo Sports. Dvalishvili is a UFC fighter, and Nurmagomedov is associated with the Nurmagomedov fighting camp. The brawl took place at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, a city that regularly hosts major combat sports events. The coverage does not yet specify what triggered the initial confrontation at UFC Georgia or whether any weapons were involved in the hotel brawl.

Observers should watch for whether Usman Nurmagomedov faces formal charges in Abu Dhabi, whether the UFC imposes sanctions on any of the fighters involved, and whether Dvalishvili and Lazishvili remain in custody or are released. The coverage does not yet specify court dates, potential suspensions, or any planned rematch or rematch-related fallout between the camps.