Abu Dhabi Police have arrested 10 people following a fight at the entrance of a hotel, in an incident linked by media reports to a confrontation involving former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and Russian mixed martial arts fighter Usman Nurmagomedov.
The Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters confirmed that eight people involved in the altercation had been arrested, along with two others who filmed the incident. All 10 were referred to the Public Prosecution for further proceedings under UAE law.
According to police, the confrontation stemmed from disputes between those involved.
Abu Dhabi Police confirm arrests following hotel fight
Police said teams responded to the incident at the hotel entrance and began procedures to deal with the situation.
The teams arrested the eight people involved in the fight and identified and detained two individuals who had filmed the confrontation.
Legal measures were taken against all 10, and their cases were referred to the Public Prosecution to complete the procedures in accordance with legislation in force.
Police did not identify those arrested in their statement or disclose the name of the hotel.
Merab Dvalishvili and Usman Nurmagomedov linked to Abu Dhabi hotel brawl
The announcement follows a confrontation involving Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov at an Abu Dhabi hotel on Wednesday, November 11.
As previously reported by Lana Time, Dvalishvili was giving an interview in a hotel lobby ahead of his participation in the Real American Freestyle (RAF) event when Nurmagomedov approached him accompanied by a group of men.
Footage circulated on social media appeared to show Nurmagomedov striking Dvalishvili before a fight broke out between members of the two groups.
Dvalishvili subsequently shared footage on Instagram showing blood on his face and himself receiving medical treatment.
He wrote: “Was doing an interview for RAF in hotel lobby and Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend.”
Reports linked the incident to the subsequent police action, although the police statement did not identify those arrested by name. Lana Time+1
Hotel confrontation follows disputes between fighters’ camps
The confrontation took place ahead of the RAF Abu Dhabi event scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Etihad Arena.
Dvalishvili is scheduled to face former UFC fighter Marlon Moraes, while Nurmagomedov is not competing at the event.
Nurmagomedov’s brother, Umar Nurmagomedov, is scheduled to face former UFC fighter Urijah Faber.
The incident follows a confrontation in Georgia earlier this year, when Dvalishvili clashed with Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, an associate of the Nurmagomedov brothers.
UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, a friend of Dvalishvili, also commented on the hotel incident on X, saying that Nurmagomedov had reportedly been detained and criticising the conduct of those involved.
RAF had indicated that the event would proceed as planned, although questions remained over the effect of the incident and subsequent proceedings on the participation of those involved. Lana Time+1
Abu Dhabi Police reiterate warning over conduct and public safety
Abu Dhabi Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security and public order, saying they would take action against conduct that disrupts public order or puts the safety of others at risk.
The force stressed the importance of complying with laws and regulations and urged members of the public to demonstrate responsibility and respect for others.
The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings in accordance with UAE legislation.
