Islam Makhachev defends Usman Nurmagomedov after Abu Dhabi altercation

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev posted on Instagram defending Usman Nurmagomedov after a backstage altercation in Abu Dhabi that left Meran Dvalishvili and a companion bloodied. Makhachev wrote that the confrontation was initiated by Dvalishvili, who he said had slapped the Dagestani fighter and insulted his honor.

"Those who are judging Usman and the guys and insulting them right now, why were you silent when Merab slapped the Dagestani fighter and insulted his honor?"

"That man approached him with no ill intent, just to talk. Whatever happened today was started by Merab when he allowed himself to slap and cuss out a guest in his homeland."

The incident follows a prior backstage clash in July, when Dvalishvili allegedly slapped Ahmed Gadzhimagomedov, a training partner of the Nurmagomedov family, after a press conference in Tbilisi. Dvalishvili also faced Usman Nurmagomedov in a UFC bantamweight title bout at UFC 311 in January 2025, which Dvalishvili won by unanimous decision.

Usman Nurmagomedov, a former Bellator and PFL lightweight champion now a free agent, and Dvalishvili were both in Abu Dhabi for a freestyle wrestling event scheduled for Saturday. It remains uncertain whether either will compete after the altercation; Dvalishvili was slated to face Marlon Moraes, while Umar Nurmagomedov was expected to wrestle Urijah Faber.