RAF Bars Usman Nurmagomedov From Abu Dhabi Event After Yas Hilton Brawl With Merab Dvalishvili
What happened
Real American Freestyle (RAF) barred Usman Nurmagomedov from its Abu Dhabi card after a hotel lobby brawl with UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili resulted in 10 arrests and criminal convictions.
The Context
* The escalation: On November 11, 2026, Usman Nurmagomedov approached Dvalishvili from behind during an interview at the Yas Hilton lobby and slapped him, igniting a multi-person melee between both fight camps. * The legal hammer: Abu Dhabi Criminal Court sentenced six members of the Nurmagomedov camp to six-month prison terms, 300,000-dirham fines, and deportation, while Dvalishvili and teammate Saba Lazishvili each received 50,000-dirham fines before their release. * The organizational fallout: RAF CEO Chad Bronstein immediately pulled Usman from the Etihad Arena event and removed Umar Nurmagomedov from the fight card, clearing Dvalishvili to compete and win his match on November 14.
The Number
— the total number of individuals arrested by Abu Dhabi Police, including eight combatants and two bystanders detained specifically for filming the altercation in violation of UAE privacy laws.
Takeaway
Expect international sports promoters operating in the Gulf to mandate stricter behavioral clauses and legal orientations for visiting talent to avoid rapid operational disruption.
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