Merab Dvalishvili got into a physical scuffle with fans of Umar Nurmagomedov at the RAF Georgia pre-fight press conference on Friday, July 10, 2026, in Tbilisi. The former UFC bantamweight champion was promoting his Saturday wrestling match against Henry Cejudo when things turned ugly.
What sparked the scuffle?
The trouble started when Dvalishvili was asked if he'd wrestle Nurmagomedov at RAF Georgia. He didn't hold back. "No, never, f–k that guy," Dvalishvili said. "Whoever RAF choose, I'll fight. Except this spoiled guy."
That set off Nurmagomedov's teammates and fans in the crowd. They confronted Dvalishvili about past comments he's made about the Dagestani fighter. The argument quickly turned into a brawl.
Why is there bad blood between Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov?
Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov fought back in January 2025. Dvalishvili won a clear unanimous decision — 48–47, 48–47, 49–46. But Nurmagomedov's camp claims a badly broken hand stopped Umar from showing his real skills.
Since then, Nurmagomedov has pushed hard for a rematch. Dvalishvili wants none of it. He's said repeatedly that Umar coasted on his last name and never deserved the first fight. The Georgian believes he's got bigger things ahead.
What's next for Merab Dvalishvili?
Dvalishvili is focused on an immediate rematch with UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan. That's the fight he wants, not another round with Nurmagomedov. "I'll fight whoever RAF choose. Except this spoiled guy," he said.
Ironically, the scuffle only makes everyone want to see a second fight more. But Dvalishvili isn't budging. For now, his attention is on Cejudo this Saturday, then Yan for the belt.
RAF Georgia goes down on July 11, 2026, in Tbilisi. Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo is the main event. Expect fireworks.