Dvalishvili cleared to wrestle at RAF Abu Dhabi following arrest with Lazishvili set to make pro debut
The RAF announced late Friday that 21-year-old Georgian Saba Lazishvili will replace Umar Nurmagomedov on the Abu Dhabi card this Saturday. Lazishvili was in Abu Dhabi to accompany Merab Dvalishvili and was one of 10 people arrested and detained on Wednesday following an altercation in the lobby of the Yas Hilton hotel involving Usman Nurmagomedov. Footage widely shared on social media shows…
The International Wrestling Association (RAF) in Abu Dhabi has announced that 21-year-old Georgian wrestler Saba Lazishvili will replace Umar Nurmagomedov on the fight card for Saturday's event. Lazishvili was present in Abu Dhabi to support fellow Georgian wrestler Merab Dvalishvili, who was one of 10 individuals arrested following a violent altercation at the Yas Hilton hotel lobby.
The incident involved Nurmagomedov and his associates, with footage showing Lazishvili filming Dvalishvili as the situation unfolded. In the aftermath, the Russian MMA fighter struck Dvalishvili, leading to a mass brawl. All 10 arrested individuals were convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court. Dvalishvili and Lazishvili were both fined Dh50,000 each for disturbing public security and assaulting others, while the remaining defendants faced sentences ranging from six months in prison to deportation.
The RAF confirmed that Lazishvili, a lifelong wrestling fan, will make his professional debut against UFC legend Urijah Faber at the Etihad Arena on Saturday, while Dvalishvili will also compete against his original opponent, Marlon Moraes.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
