{
  "id": 19527474,
  "title": "Merab Dvalishvili left bloodied after attack led by Usman Nurmagomedov during interview",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/merab-dvalishvili-left-bloodied-after-attack-led-by-usman",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T17:51:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/combat-sports/2026/11/11/merab-dvalishvili-left-bloodied-after-attack-led-by-usman-nurmagomedov-during-interview/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Merab Dvalishvili sustained injuries after being attacked by a group led by Usman Nurmagomedov during an interview in a hotel lobby ahead of the upcoming RAF Abu Dhabi event. The incident occurred as Dvalishvili, who is set to face Marlon Moraes, was conversing with the media. A video shared by UFC fighter Ilia Topuria showed Dvalishvili being approached from behind and subsequently beaten by Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili posted an angry video on social media, blaming the attackers for kicking him while he was down. Security personnel were present but did not intervene effectively, according to Dvalishvili. The UFC fighter, 35, has a history with the Nurmagomedovs; he defeated Usman's older brother Umar in 2005. The rivalry has resurfaced recently, with Dvalishvili previously involved in a confrontation with an associate of Umar prior to UFC Georgia. Umar is also scheduled to compete at the RAF Abu Dhabi event. Usman Nurmagomedov, though not participating in the card, is known to attend his brother's matches. Dvalishvili recently fought Petr Yan at UFC 333, losing via unanimous decision. The UFC lightweight champion is currently a free agent and rumored to join the UFC. Dvalishvili's return to Abu Dhabi comes after his UFC bout, with the outcome remaining uncertain due to his injury. The National sought comment from the RAF regarding the incident.",
  "summary": "Merab Dvalishvili was attacked by a group led by Usman Nurmagomedov while giving an interview in a hotel lobby ahead of this weekend's RAF Abu Dhabi. The Georgian is set to face Marlon Moraes on Saturday night as part of the RAF's first card in the Middle East. A video posted by UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, since deleted, showed Dvalishvili talking to the camera when he is approached from behind by…",
  "key_points": [
    "Merab Dvalishvili injured in attack by Usman Nurmagomedov",
    "Usman Nurmagomedov led group that assaulted Dvalishvili",
    "Dvalishvili has prior history with Nurmagomedovs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}