Merab Dvalishvili left bloodied after attack by Usman Nurmagomedov during hotel interview in Abu Dhabi

Merab Dvalishvili sustained injuries during an assault at a hotel lobby ahead of this weekend's RAF Abu Dhabi event. A video uploaded by UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, later removed, depicted Dvalishvili discussing with a camera when a group led by Usman Nurmagomedov approached and struck him. The incident culminated in a scuffle, with Dvalishvili posting an angry video to social media after receiving medical attention for his wounds.

The Georgian suffered cuts to his head, resulting in bloodied facial injuries. "I was doing an interview in the hotel lobby and Usman and his buddies came up behind me and started punching me and my young friend," Dvalishvili wrote in a post. "Security was holding me - they kept kicking us like losers." Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes on Saturday night as part of the RAF's inaugural Middle Eastern card.

It remains uncertain whether his injuries will hinder his participation at the Etihad Arena. The RAF has yet to comment on the incident. Dvalishvili, 35, has a history with the Nurmagomedovs; in 2005, he defeated Usman's older brother Umar at UFC 311 by unanimous decision to defend the UFC bantamweight title. The rivalry has recently intensified, with Dvalishvili involved in a scuffle with an associate of Umar's prior to UFC Georgia, leading to insults exchanged in the media.

Umar, who is also expected to wrestle against Urijah Faber on Saturday, is scheduled to compete on the RAF Abu Dhabi card. Usman, 28, is not on the card but often attends his brother's MMA and wrestling bouts. The Russian, a former lightweight champion with the PFL, is currently a free agent and expected to join the UFC. Dvalishvili returns to Abu Dhabi just weeks after losing to Petr Yan by unanimous decision at UFC 333.