Overview
- The confrontation began at the RAF Georgia pre-event press session on July 11, 2026, when a friend of Nurmagomedov, identified as Ahmad Gadzhimagomedov, approached Dvalishvili after the Georgian used insulting language about Nurmagomedov and the encounter escalated.
- Fan-shot video of the crowd scuffle circulated online and showed Dvalishvili striking Gadzhimagomedov, which prompted widespread media coverage and public discussion of the fighters’ behavior.
- Umar Nurmagomedov publicly condemned the action in interviews published August 11–12, 2026, saying his friend did not insult Dvalishvili and questioning how the Georgian could justify hitting someone from behind.
- Merab Dvalishvili responded in a social media video on August 12, 2026, saying he struck the man because of how he was approached and invoking his upbringing and culture to explain his reaction.
- The episode adds a new chapter to a long-running rivalry that began with their UFC 311 title fight and, while no official sanctions have been widely reported, it could influence public pressure for a rematch or affect how promoters and fans view both fighters as they pursue separate near-term bouts.