Islam Makhachov believes Wednesday’s ugly hotel ambush didn’t start in Abu Dhabi.
Footage of the incident shows Nurmagomedov approaching Dvališvili from behind and punching him before a wild brawl breaks out in the hotel lobby (see it here).
Dvalishvili and his younger friend were outnumbered, attacked from behind and kicked while being restrained by security.
Fellow Georgian Ilia Topuria later called Nurmagomedov and his group “absolute cowards”, claiming that Abu Dhabi authorities had detained several men involved in the matter.
Now Makhatchov is defending his long-time teammate, reminding critics that Dvalishvili started a separate feud with the Dagestani wrestler at the RAF in Georgia earlier this year.
“To those who are now condemning and insulting Usman and the boys,” wrote Makhatchov. “Why did you keep silent when Merab hit a Dagestani wrestler for no reason and insulted his honor? The man approached him to speak without malice.”
“What happened today started in Merabi’s home country when he took it upon himself to beat a guest and insult his mother.”
The incident to which Makhachov referred took place in July before Dvalishvili’s wrestling match Henry Cejudo in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Both sides presented different versions that led to the impasse.
Arman Tsarukyanwho witnessed the confrontation, claimed that Gadzhimagomedov simply asked Dvalishvili to disrespect Umar and became overwhelmed while speaking. Dvalishvili later claimed that Gadzhimagomedov grabbed her by the neck, pulled her over and started yelling at her in Russian, a language she barely understands.
Makhachov clearly believes that Wednesday’s attack was a continuation of the incident in Georgia and that Dvalishvili should not be considered an innocent victim.
That history may explain the animosity, but it has done little to quell criticism of the numbers involved or how Nurmagomedov approached Dvališvili.
Topuria claims that Nurmagomedov was arrested. As of publication, the RAF has not announced any changes to Dvalishvili’s scheduled wrestling match Marlon Moraes on Saturday.