Abu Dhabi Court Jails 10 Fighters Over Hotel Brawl
Six men face six months in prison and heavy fines, while two others were fined and released.
By Charles Reed ·
Ten individuals faced new legal penalties on Friday after a court in Abu Dhabi convicted them over a physical altercation inside a hotel. The incident occurred in the days leading up to a wrestling tournament hosted by Real American Freestyle.
Media reports indicate that six people, including PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, received the harshest sentences. Each of the six was ordered to serve six months in prison. The court also imposed a fine of 300,000 dirhams, or roughly $81,600, on each of those defendants. All six are required to leave the country after serving their time.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and his teammate Saba Lazishvili received lighter punishments. The court fined each man 50,000 dirhams and released them from custody. Two additional defendants were sentenced to six months in prison for privacy violations. These two filmed the brawl and posted the video on social media platforms.
The fight started when Nurmagomedov and his team approached Dvalishvili and Lazishvili. Online videos of the scene show Nurmagomedov slapping Dvalishvili, an action that triggered the melee. The event was originally scheduled to feature a match between Dvalishvili and Marlon Moraes. It also included a bout for Umar Nurmagomedov, the brother of Usman.
Organizers adjusted the card later on Friday. They removed Umar Nurmagomedov from his scheduled fight and replaced him with Lazishvili. Dvalishvili remains on the roster for his upcoming match against Moraes.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department posted the conviction details on X. The department said the ten defendants were convicted in connection with the hotel brawl. Reuters contacted Usman’s representatives and the judicial department for comment on the rulings.
