Dvalishvili cleared to wrestle at RAF Abu Dhabi following arrest with Lazishvili set to make pro debut

The International Wrestling Association (RAF) has cleared Georgian wrestler Merab Dvalishvili to wrestle at the Abu Dhabi event following his arrest, with Lazishvili set to make his professional debut. Lazishvili, 21, was among 10 individuals arrested in connection with an altercation at the Yas Hilton hotel lobby involving Usman Nurmagomedov. The incident, captured on video, shows Dvalishvili being struck by Nurmagomedov before a brawl broke out.

Both Dvalishvili and Lazishvili sustained cuts to their faces in the attack, which was widely shared on social media. Despite the incident, Lazishvili, a lifelong wrestling enthusiast, was cleared to compete and will face UFC legend Urijah Faber in a professional match at the Etihad Arena on Saturday. Additionally, Dvalishvili, 35, will also wrestle his original opponent, Marlon Moraes.

The RAF announced that six defendants were sentenced to six months in prison, fined Dh300,000 each, and deported after serving their time for disturbing public security, causing panic, and endangering lives. Two other individuals, believed to be Dvalishvili and Lazishvili, received fines of Dh50,000 each for disturbing public security and assaulting others.

The remaining two defendants were ordered to serve six months in prison, pay Dh300,000 fines, and have their phones confiscated due to privacy violations from filming and sharing the brawl footage.