Report: Makhachev Answers Merab's Hotel Attack Claim by Asking About an Earlier Incident

Merab Dvalishvili says Usman Nurmagomedov and Umar Nurmagomedov, plus several associates, jumped him and a friend from behind in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby during an RAF interview, Sherdog reports.

In his words: "Usman and his buddies came up from behind and started punching me and my young friend". He also says "Security was holding me -- they kept kicking us when we were down like losers."

That's Dvalishvili's account. Neither Nurmagomedov has been shown responding.

Islam Makhachev's reply, as SportBible reports it, was a question: "why were you silent when Merab hit a Dagestani wrestler and insulted him?" That's Makhachev's claim. It's his case that Dvalishvili started the earlier incident, and it isn't established fact.

Now set the two side by side. Makhachev answers with a question about who stayed silent over something else. A grievance isn't a defense.

The earlier incident is LowKick MMA's July clip from the RAF Georgia press conference. LowKick reports that a North Caucasus fighter, reportedly a fan of Umar Nurmagomedov, was struck, and Dvalishvili is accused of being the one who hit him. A voice in the clip yells "What's your problem? What's your problem?" Reports differed on whether it was a slap or a punch. Dvalishvili has not been shown responding to the claim.

Then there's the police angle, which is murkier. SportBible says Ilia Topuria claimed Usman was detained, and the article doesn't confirm it. It also cites Ariel Helwani saying those involved were at a police station for questioning. Treat the detention claim as unconfirmed.

The clock matters. Khaleej Times previewed Dvalishvili against Marlon Moraes at Etihad Arena on Nov. 14, and named Umar Nurmagomedov among the other prominent fighters who will be in action in the UAE capital on the card. It doesn't say they fight each other.

Until then, one side has an account. The other has a question.

Photo: SportBible

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