FIGHT BREAKS OUT IN ABU DHABI! Usman Nurmagomedov and His Group Attack Merab Dvalishvili and His Friend Saba Lazishvili!
Violent scenes have shaken the MMA world! Georgian fighter Merab Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili were involved in an altercation with a group of people that included Usman Nurmagomedov and several of his associates. The two Georgians were reportedly caught by surprise in the lobby of a hotel in Abu Dhabi, and footage of the confrontation has gone viral online.
VIDEO
Saba Lazishvili Refused to Leave Merab Dvalishvili Alone
One of the most notable aspects of the incident was the presence of Saba Lazishvili, Merab Dvalishvili’s friend and training partner.
Merab was not alone when the confrontation took place. Saba, a Georgian fighter, was by his side and did not abandon him when they faced the group of opponents.
The two found themselves in an extremely tense situation, outnumbered by the group that approached them. Saba stayed alongside Merab throughout the altercation and was also struck, suffering visible injuries.
In footage and photographs published after the incident, both athletes can be seen with injuries and bruises.
Saba Lazishvili is a Georgian wrestler who trains alongside Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling as part of the Syndicate MMA team.
How Did the Fight Break Out in Abu Dhabi?
The incident reportedly took place on November 11, 2026, in the lobby of a hotel in Abu Dhabi, while Merab Dvalishvili was giving an interview to promote the Real American Freestyle (RAF) competition.
According to footage shared by Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria, Usman Nurmagomedov approached Dvalishvili from behind and struck him, triggering an altercation involving several people.
Merab stated that Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, and their associates approached as a group and attacked him and his friend.
The former UFC champion claimed that several people continued striking them even after they had fallen to the ground.
“There were only two of us, me and my friend, while Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends came from behind,” the Georgian fighter said in a message published after the incident.
Merab criticized the way the confrontation unfolded, saying that if his opponents wanted to fight, they could have faced him in a proper sporting contest rather than attacking him as a group.
Who Is Saba Lazishvili?
Saba Lazishvili is a Georgian wrestler and a close associate of Merab Dvalishvili.
According to information published by MMA media outlets, he trains alongside Dvalishvili, Aljamain Sterling, and the Syndicate MMA team.
Saba comes from a family with a background in combat sports. His older brother, Zviad Lazishvili, is a former LFA champion who has also competed in the UFC. He has also been in Merab Dvalishvili’s corner during one of his fights.
Saba’s presence in Abu Dhabi and his decision to remain by Merab’s side during the incident have attracted attention across the MMA community.
The Rivalry Between Merab Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov Family
Tensions between the two camps have a longer history.
In January 2025, Merab Dvalishvili defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in a fight for the bantamweight championship.
Umar is Usman Nurmagomedov’s brother, and both are cousins of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The rivalry between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov family continued after that fight, with tensions resurfacing on several occasions.
Reactions to the Footage of the Attack
The video of the confrontation has sparked strong reactions throughout the combat sports community.
Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria shared the footage and condemned the behavior of those involved.
Several athletes and MMA commentators have criticized the fact that the confrontation involved a large group of people against two fighters.
For now, the full circumstances surrounding the incident and any possible official action by the authorities in Abu Dhabi remain unclear.
One detail that has particularly caught the public’s attention is that Merab Dvalishvili was not alone during the confrontation: his friend Saba Lazishvili stood by his side when they faced the group.
TRAININGSNEWS.COM – INTERNATIONAL NEWS AND STORIES.
Revolut and Wise
