“The nation is losing its identity,” “Why pit peoples against each other,” “Georgians have forgotten they are Caucasians,” “Where is your hospitality.” This social media backlash was triggered by a series of scandals that marked the Real American Freestyle international tournament, held in Tbilisi on July 11. Yet, the very fact that such a debate erupted online proves that the show was a success.
A day before the tournament, a video of a scuffle involving Georgian UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili circulated online. The caption provided minimal information, merely suggesting that Dvalishvili had got into a confrontation with someone from the North Caucasus.
After a brief pause, the media reported that Dvalishvili had fought with World Wrestling Championship bronze medalist Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov, who had decided to lecture the Georgian for a harsh remark directed at Russian mixed martial artist Umar Nurmagomedov. Reportedly, during a press conference, journalists had asked Dvalishvili about a potential fight with Nurmagomedov, to which Dvalishvili replied, “screw that guy.” What happened next was seen by everyone.
By the time the Georgian entered the octagon, interest in his already highly anticipated bout with Olympic champion Henry Cejudo had reached its peak. Meanwhile, the storyline of the rivalry between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov continued with a retort from the latter: “Men don’t act like that.”
In addition, Georgia faced backlash over the behavior of fans who booed Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan—who, by the way, hails from Akhalkalaki.
This was the crowd’s way of retaliating against the athlete on behalf of Ilia Topuria, whom Tsarukyan had mocked after a defeat at the White House. Interestingly, Topuria and Tsarukyan have been feuding in the media since as far back as 2025, and here is how the athlete explains it.
This brings us to the heart of the matter. RAF is an American commercial wrestling organization that stages high-profile super-fights under freestyle wrestling rules. It is backed by former professional wrestlers, including the recently deceased Hulk Hogan. Unlike pro wrestling, RAF is a real sport, but with elements of a show: spectacular fighter entrances, hyped-up rivalries, trash-talking, press conferences, and playing to the crowd. Fighters manufacture artificial conflicts, fans snap up tickets, and organizers make millions.
Therefore, comments along the lines of “Why pit peoples against each other” are entirely out of place here. On July 11, we watched a show, and it lasted exactly as long as the cameras were rolling. By the way, according to eyewitnesses, once left alone, Dvalishvili and Gadzhimagomedov talked everything through and even shook hands.