Islam Makhachev Claims Merab Dvalishvili Started the Feud That Led to Hotel Attack

Islam Makhachev has broken his silence on the Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili altercation, claiming the UFC bantamweight champion started the entire conflict months ago.

Per Sherdog, Makhachev posted on Instagram stories defending his teammate Usman Nurmagomedov after the Bellator champion and his entourage attacked Dvalishvili at a fighter hotel in Abu Dhabi. Dvalishvili was outnumbered, with only one friend beside him, and sustained cuts and bruises ahead of his Real American Freestyle match against Marlon Moraes.

Makhachev pointed to an earlier incident at RAF Georgia in July as the true starting point. He said Dagestani wrestler Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov approached Dvalishvili at the event to ask him to stop badmouthing Umar Nurmagomedov, who was not present. According to Makhachev, Dvalishvili then slapped Gadzhimagomedov, which led to a brawl.

Makhachev wrote that Dvalishvili started the conflict in his own homeland by hitting a guest and insulting his mother. He asked why people remained silent when Dvalishvili struck a Dagestani wrestler who approached him without malicious intent.

The feud between Dvalishvili and the Dagestani fighters stems from his rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili repeatedly accused Umar of getting privileges for being Khabib Nurmagomedov's cousin and was initially reluctant to put his UFC bantamweight title on the line. He eventually defended it against the previously undefeated Umar last year.

The Abu Dhabi hotel attack drew widespread condemnation from UFC fighters. Sean Strickland called for a lifetime ban for Usman Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili has accused both Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov of involvement in the attack.