Makhachov’s teammate attacked Dvalishvili at the fighters’ hotel in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov had the entire entourage, while Dvalishvili was in the minority, with only one friend by his side. Dvalishvili suffered cuts and bruises in the Real American Freestyle before the match Marlon Moraesbut Makhachov claims that the Georgian had it coming.
Islam Makhachov said that Merab Dvalishvili started the feud behind the Abu Dhabi attack
Makhachov notes that Dvalishvili attacked their friend, Dagestani fighter Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, in the Georgian RAF in July.
“For those who are now condemning Usman and the guys, why were you silent when Merab inexplicably hit the Dagestani wrestler and insulted his honor?” Makhachov wrote in Instagram stories. “The man turned to him to talk without any malicious intent. What happened today started in his homeland when Merab allowed himself to hit a guest and insulted his mother.”
Dvalishvili’s feud with the Dagestan team stems from his rivalry with Usman’s brother, Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvališvili repeatedly accused Umar of receiving privileges for this Khabib Nurmagomedovhis cousin.
Although Dvalishvili initially did not want his
Ultimate Fighting Championship bantamweight title against Umar, he successfully defended it last year against the previously undefeated Dagestan. Umar’s friend Gadzhimagomedov approached Dvalishvili in the Georgian RAF and told him to stop badmouthing Umar when he wasn’t even present at the event. Dvališvili then slapped Gadzhimagomedov, which led to a fight.
Islam Makhachov publishes a statement of defence Usman Nurmagomedov “Why did you stay silent when Merab attacked a Dagestani wrestler for no reason? What happened today was initiated by Merab himself.” https://t.co/lgoctQuaBY
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch)
November 11, 2026