Merab Dvalishvili: My 21-year-old Georgian wrestler friend fought Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov in Abu Dhabi brawl — now he wants to switch to MMA

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has revealed a surprising detail about the reported altercation involving Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov and their associates in Abu Dhabi.

According to Dvalishvili, his 21-year-old Georgian wrestling friend was also caught up in the confrontation and reportedly exchanged blows with both Nurmagomedov brothers.

The incident reportedly happened on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, inside a hotel lobby in Abu Dhabi, while Dvalishvili was conducting a media interview ahead of the Real American Freestyle (RAF) event.

Dvalishvili claimed that he and his young teammate were approached by Usman Nurmagomedov and several other individuals. The Georgian fighter alleged that the confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight, leaving both him and his friend with visible injuries.

However, what particularly caught the attention of MMA fans was Dvalishvili’s description of his young teammate’s involvement.

According to Merab, the 21-year-old wrestler stood his ground and fought both Usman and Umar during the altercation.

Dvalishvili also revealed that the young wrestler was so encouraged by the experience that he expressed interest in transitioning from traditional wrestling to mixed martial arts.

The story has generated considerable interest among combat sports followers, especially because of the reputation of the Nurmagomedov family in wrestling and MMA.

The incident also highlights the growing tension between Dvalishvili and the Nurmagomedov camp. The rivalry intensified after Merab defeated Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025.

Despite the reported confrontation, Dvalishvili maintained that he was doing fine and remained determined to continue competing.

For the young Georgian wrestler, however, the experience could mark the beginning of a new chapter. If he follows through with his reported intention to enter MMA, fans may eventually get to see whether his wrestling background can translate into success inside the cage.

For now, his identity and professional fighting plans have not been independently confirmed, but his involvement has become one of the most talked-about details of the Abu Dhabi incident.