Merab Dvalishvili, the UFC’s reigning bantamweight champion, threw hands at a post-press conference brawl in Tbilisi on July 11 after calling Umar Nurmagomedov a slur.
What happened at the press conference?
During a media scrum ahead of the RAF tournament, a reporter asked Dvalishvili about the prospect of a wrestling match with Umar Nurmagomedov. “Fk that guy,”** Dvalishvili replied. Moments later, World Championships bronze medalist Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov confronted him, demanding to know why Dvalishvili made the comment behind Umar’s back. Dvalishvili responded with a right hand, sparking a brief but heated altercation between the two.
How did the brawl unfold?
Gadzhimagomedov, a Dagestani grappler, approached Dvalishvili with visible frustration after the exchange. “Why would you talk like that about Umar?” he asked. Dvalishvili, who had already left the podium, turned and struck first. Security intervened within seconds, but not before the pair traded shoves and verbal jabs. No charges were filed, and both men remained at the event site to prepare for their upcoming bouts.
What’s next for Merab Dvalishvili?
Dvalishvili headlines the RAF card in Tbilisi on July 11, facing former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo in the main event. The Georgian enters with a 21-5 record and the bantamweight strap, while Cejudo brings a 16-3 ledger and a reputation for explosive finishes. Their styles clash—Dvalishvili’s relentless pace against Cejudo’s Olympic-level wrestling and slick striking.
The last time Dvalishvili stepped into the cage was January 2025 at UFC 311, where he outpointed Umar Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision. That win extended his title reign and set up a potential trilogy, though Umar’s camp has since pivoted toward other challenges. Dvalishvili, meanwhile, continues to train in Philadelphia under the tutelage of his long-time coach, Haggai Levi.
Why this matters beyond the brawl
The incident underscores the combustible mix of ego, national pride, and combat-sport stakes that define Dvalishvili’s career. His unfiltered tongue has made him a polarizing figure—loved by Georgian fans, scrutinized by rivals. Yet his results speak louder: five straight UFC wins, a title defense, and a reputation as one of the division’s most durable champions.
Gadzhimagomedov, 28, is now left to explain his role in the fracas. The Dagestani, who claimed bronze at the 2023 World Championships, had no scheduled fight in Tbilisi but seized the moment to confront Dvalishvili. Whether this alters his standing in the bantamweight picture remains unclear.
For Dvalishvili, the priority is simple: defend his belt against Cejudo. The American, 38, is a heavy underdog in betting markets but brings a pedigree few can match. A win would tighten Dvalishvili’s grip on the division—and silence critics who question his temperament outside the cage.