Russian MMA fighter Usman Nurmagomedov could face up to one year in prison or a fine of approximately $2,700 following an alleged assault on former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing Home of Fight, Article 390 of the UAE Federal Crimes and Penalties Law provides for such penalties in assault cases. The provision could potentially apply to Nurmagomedov if investigators establish his involvement and the relevant legal conditions are met.
Importantly, authorities do not necessarily require a formal complaint from Dvalishvili to investigate the incident. Video footage of the confrontation may provide sufficient grounds for police action.
According to reports, UAE police have been questioning Nurmagomedov and other individuals involved in the altercation. Article 392 of the same law also provides for more severe penalties in certain cases involving assaults committed by groups of three or more people.
The incident occurred on November 11 at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, where Nurmagomedov, the undefeated PFL lightweight champion, allegedly confronted Dvalishvili while the Georgian fighter was giving an interview.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili and striking him in the face, triggering a larger confrontation involving several individuals.
Dvalishvili subsequently claimed that he and fellow Georgian fighter Saba Laziashvili had been attacked by a group of people. Despite suffering a facial cut, the former UFC champion said he was feeling well.
According to The National, Dvalishvili has not filed a formal complaint against Nurmagomedov. However, the incident reportedly attracted police attention because it occurred in a public area and was captured on camera.
The confrontation has also sparked reactions from prominent MMA figures. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria condemned the alleged attack, while Islam Makhachev defended Nurmagomedov, pointing to an earlier confrontation involving Dvalishvili and Dagestani wrestler Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov.
The incident comes just days before the Real American Freestyle event scheduled for November 14 in Abu Dhabi, where Dvalishvili is expected to face Marlon Moraes. Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman's cousin, is also scheduled to compete against former UFC champion Urijah Faber.
Event organizers are expected to address the situation at a press conference on November 12.
As of Thursday morning, there has been no official confirmation that criminal charges have been filed against Nurmagomedov. Any potential punishment will depend on the findings of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
