Islam Makhachev Defends Usman Nurmagomedov After Merab Dvalishvili Clash

Islam Makhachev Defends Usman Nurmagomedov After Merab Dvalishvili Clash

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has defended Usman Nurmagomedov following the Dagestani fighter’s reported altercation with former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili at a fighter hotel in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili reportedly sustained cuts and bruises ahead of his Real American Freestyle bout against Marlon Moraes. Makhachev argued that the confrontation was linked to an earlier incident involving Dvalishvili and a Dagestani wrestler.

In a statement shared on Instagram Stories, Makhachev accused Dvalishvili of starting the feud by striking Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov and insulting his honour during an event in Georgia in July. According to reports, Gadzhimagomedov had approached Dvalishvili over his criticism of Umar Nurmagomedov, Usman’s brother, before the encounter escalated into a brawl. Makhachev questioned why those condemning Usman and his associates had remained silent about the earlier incident.

The dispute is rooted in the long-running rivalry between Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov, whom the Georgian previously accused of receiving preferential treatment because of his relationship with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Dvalishvili eventually defended his bantamweight title against Umar last year, handing the previously undefeated Dagestani fighter a defeat. Makhachev’s comments have added another dimension to the growing tension between the fighters and their respective camps.