Ten people sit in Abu Dhabi custody after a wild lobby melee shattered fight week. Abu Dhabi Police swept in Thursday evening and referred all 10 detainees straight to the Public Prosecution following the brawl between the entourages of former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili and Usman Nurmagomedov. The violence flared inside the Yas Hilton hotel on Wednesday, November 11, leaving Dvalishvili bloodied and throwing Saturday's high-stakes combat card into sudden legal jeopardy.
Trouble detonated during fight promotions. Dvalishvili was giving an interview ahead of the Real American Freestyle (RAF) inaugural Middle East showcase when Usman Nurmagomedov strode through the lobby with his entourage. Words flew. Tempers snapped. Within seconds, verbal friction mutated into a multi-man scuffle. Dvalishvili published video showing a facial cut and medical personnel treating the wound, accusing Nurmagomedov and his associates of launching an unprovoked strike.
Police moved aggressively to contain the fallout. Authorities confirmed eight people were hauled in for direct participation in the physical clash, while officers arrested two more bystanders strictly for filming the melee on their mobile phones. None of the detainees have been publicly identified by name, and police issued no confirmation regarding whether Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov, or Dvalishvili themselves remain among the jailed cohort.
Official statements laid the groundwork for severe legal scrutiny. Abu Dhabi Police confirmed the melee sprang from prior personal grievances between several individuals, reiterating that law enforcement will act decisively against any conduct that compromises civil order or endangers public safety.
The fight followed previous disputes between several individuals... authorities maintain an absolute commitment to public order and dealing firmly with behaviour that threatens public safety.
Facing prosecutors in the Emirates carries severe statutory consequences. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, the country's penal code imposes strict criminal liability for violent altercations, mob gatherings, and verbal abuse in commercial and public spaces.
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article 390 | Physical assault causing incapacity for 20 days or less | Up to 1 year prison, fine up to AED 10,000 (~$2,700) | |||
| Article 390 (Aggravated) | Physical assault leaving incapacity over 20 days | Extended imprisonment, fine based on medical harm | |||
| Article 210 | Gathering of 5+ persons threatening public security | Imprisonment and discretionary court fine | |||
| Article 411 |
Penalties pivot entirely on forensic medical evaluations. If Dvalishvili’s facial laceration or related injuries demonstrate physical incapacity under 20 days, Article 390 caps prison exposure at one year alongside a fine of up to AED 10,000. Any finding of sustained trauma disabling a victim for beyond 20 days escalates the legal bracket into harsher terms of imprisonment. Prosecutors are also examining security footage to determine whether premeditation or gang assault applies, both of which serve as statutory multipliers under Emirati law.
The legal dragnet lands just 48 hours before RAF's scheduled fight night on Saturday, November 14. Dvalishvili remains matched to headline against Marlon Moraes, while Umar Nurmagomedov is booked against veteran Urijah Faber, leaving organizers and corner teams awaiting clearance as the Public Prosecution weighs formal indictments.
| Acts violating public decency |
| Up to 1 year prison or judicial fine |
| Public Order & Insult | Abusive language and public defamation | Up to 1 year prison, fine up to AED 20,000 (~$5,400) |