RAF Reportedly Bans Usman Nurmagomedov After Hotel Brawl

A hotel fight in Abu Dhabi appears to have led Real American Freestyle (RAF) to ban Usman Nurmagomedov, according to reports. Police say eight people were arrested, along with two others who filmed it.

How the lobby fight started

Both camps were in Abu Dhabi for RAF, with the card due at Etihad Arena. Usman came to support his brother Umar, who meets Uriah Faber. Merab Dvalishvili faces Marlon Moraes. Khamzat Chimaev and Chris Weidman headline.

In the hotel lobby, Dvalishvili was mid-interview. Usman reportedly came from behind and slapped him. Members of both teams then traded blows. Reports say Dvalishvili and a friend were hurt.

Police statement and White's reaction

Abu Dhabi Police said they arrested eight people over a brawl at the hotel entrance, which they linked to earlier disputes between the people involved. Two people who filmed the scene were also detained. Police said legal measures were taken and referred to the Public Prosecution, without making clear who exactly was referred.

Dana White spoke at UFC 334 media day. "It's absolutely ridiculous and stupid, and they're all in jail, and that is not a place to go f**king around," he said. He later added that such incidents are never good for business and make everyone involved look bad.

Dvalishvili and Umar still look set to compete. RAF appears to have banned Usman over his conduct.

A feud with a long run-up

The two sides have history. Dvalishvili beat Umar by unanimous decision at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025, after a buildup in which he called Umar a "spoiled little baby." In July 2026, at an RAF event in Georgia, someone from the Nurmagomedov team challenged Dvalishvili about what he had said of Umar. Reports say it turned worse once Dvalishvili slapped the Dagestani wrestler.

Islam Makhachev defended Usman and pointed to that earlier slap. Ilia Topuria backed his fellow Georgian and called Usman's group cowards.

Source: EssentiallySports