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Usman Nurmagomedov has found himself banned from Saturday’s RAF event in Abu Dhabi after his shocking ambush of former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili.
In the midst of an interview on Wednesday, Nurmagomedov and his team approached Dvalishvili from behind. The PFL lightweight titleholder struck Dvalishvili, and a brawl ensued. The incident has drawn heavy criticism with many fans bashing Nurmagomedov for sneak attacking a fighter with a significant size disadvantage.
Nurmagomedov was in Abu Dhabi in support of Umar, who is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes at Saturday’s RAF show. Dvalishvili had been booked to face Urijah Faber, but there’s no word on whether or not either of these freestyle wrestling matches will take place. Umar was also involved in the ambush,
During a press conference, RAF co-founder Chad Bronstein, addressed the incident to reporters and he made it clear that Nurmagomedov is barred from RAF Abu Dhabi (via MMAFighting.com).
“We’re hoping that the situation gets resolved, sooner than later,” Bronstein said. “And obviously, Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night.”
Dvalishvili has given his brief reaction to the incident on social media. The surefire future UFC Hall of Famer called Nurmagomedov’s team “losers” for kicking him and his friend while security was holding them down. The bad blood had been simmering for a while between “The Machine” and team Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili scored a unanimous decision win over Umar back in early 2025, and he had no interest in mending fences after the bout.
Current pound-for-pound great Islam Makhachev recently defended Nurmagomedov’s attack, saying it was in retaliation to Dvalishvili putting his hands on Dagestani wrestler Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov and allegedly insulting his mother.
What do you think the ultimate fallout will be from the incident involving Usman Nurmagomedov’s team and Merab Dvalishvili? Will Nurmagomedov get a slap on the wrist and eventually make his way to the UFC banner, or will he be punished for his actions? Share your opinion in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM