Merab Dvalishvili has accused Russia’s Usman Nurmagomedov of a “cowardly” mob attack from behind. The incident occurred at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, where the athlete had arrived to attend the RAF tournament. The brawl was captured on video. The Georgian fighter was giving an interview to a media outlet when a group of men approached from behind and almost immediately initiated a fight.
On his social media accounts, Dvalishvili posted a video showing him and his friend receiving treatment for their cuts and wounds. The fighter stated that he was doing fine and accused his assailants of cowardice:
“What a cowardly move, guys. There were only two of us—me and my friend. We came here to Abu Dhabi, and Usman Nurmagomedov and his friends attacked us from behind like snakes. What kind of fighters are you? How can a man act like that, brother? If you want to talk or fight, let’s do it like men, fair and square. You attacked when there were only two of us, and you pre-planned it, brother. What the hell? <…>
“We bleed, we fight, we go to war. But you are just vile people. You are not real men. This [attack] shows your character. It shows that you are not real men. What the hell, guys? If you want to fight, then fight. Let’s damn well fight! We are fighters. I speak directly. I’m a real man; I always say everything to someone’s face. But you attacked us from behind. I don’t even know how many of you there were. All your friends were lying in wait for us, and you ambushed us from behind. <…>
Saba and I fought like real men, but you fought like cowards. Only cowards act like that. Twenty men against two! And even when we were already down on the ground, you kept acting like cowards. Cowards! We are warriors!” Dvalishvili stated.
