Ali Abdelaziz, manager of undefeated Russian fighter and reigning PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, has commented on the fighter's future following a controversial altercation involving former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at a hotel in Abu Dhabi.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing MMA Junkie, Abdelaziz acknowledged that the incident could have consequences for Nurmagomedov and those around him, including his cousin and coach, former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
"As for Usman Nurmagomedov's future career, this guy is one of the best fighters in the world. Of course, this incident will affect him, Khabib, whose gym he trains at, and everyone. But right now, I'm not worried about his fighting career. I'm worried about his health and how he will recover from this," Abdelaziz said.
The incident reportedly took place on November 11 at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, where Nurmagomedov and members of his entourage were involved in a confrontation with Georgian fighter Dvalishvili. Reports alleged that the Russian fighter's group attacked the former UFC champion, although the full circumstances of the altercation have yet to be independently established.
The confrontation has attracted considerable attention within the MMA community, particularly because of the fighters' high profiles and their connections to some of the sport's most prominent teams.
Nurmagomedov, who competes in the lightweight division at 70 kg, remains undefeated in professional MMA and currently holds the PFL championship belt. He previously competed in Bellator, where he also held the lightweight title.
Meanwhile, Dvalishvili is widely regarded as one of the leading bantamweight fighters of his generation and previously held the UFC championship in the 61.2 kg division.
It remains unclear whether the Abu Dhabi incident will result in disciplinary or legal consequences for those involved. No official decision regarding Nurmagomedov's competitive future has been announced.
