Old Rivalry Boils Over as Merab Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov’s Camp Clash Before RAF Georgia

Within a short span of time, Real American Freestyle (RAF) has earned a reputation for producing as much drama outside the competition as it does on the mat, and RAF Georgia was no exception.

The promotion’s Friday pre-event press conference was meant to promote Merab Dvalishvili's highly anticipated wrestling match against former UFC champion Henry Cejudo. Instead, it reopened old wounds. 

A question about Umar Nurmagomedov was all it took for tempers to flare, turning an otherwise routine media event into a heated altercation involving Nurmagomedov's supporters.

Merab Dvalishvili's Comments on Umar Nurmagomedov Spark Heated RAF Georgia Confrontation

The flashpoint came when Dvalishvili was asked whether he would be interested in facing Nurmagomedov under the Real American Freestyle banner in the future. The former UFC bantamweight champion didn't hesitate. He said, "No, never. F**k that guy. Whoever RAF chooses, I'll fight. Except this spoiled guy."

His remarks immediately drew a reaction from members of the Dagestani entourage and supporters in attendance. What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated, with videos from the venue showing security personnel and police stepping in as the two sides confronted each other.

According to Georgian outlet Sportall.ge, the confrontation began after one of the attendees challenged Dvalishvili over previous comments he had made about Nurmagomedov. Another local publication, La Gazzetta Georgia, reported that several individuals from the Caucasus later attempted to push through the security cordon toward the room where the Georgian athletes were gathered, but were stopped.

An Old Rivalry Boils Over

The altercation is the latest chapter in a rivalry that has simmered since UFC 311 in January 2025. While Dvalishvili defeated the Russian by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain the UFC bantamweight title, the result has remained a point of contention. 

Nurmagomedov's camp has long argued that a broken hand sustained during the bout prevented him from fighting at his best, while “The Machine” has repeatedly brushed off those claims and shown little appetite for a rematch.

Umar Nurmagomedov Responds After Confrontation Involving Supporters

Although Nurmagomedov wasn't present during the incident, he addressed it shortly after clips of the altercation surfaced online.

Taking to X, the Dagestani contender defended his friend while criticizing Dvalishvili's behavior.

"On the Caucasus, a man is defined by honor, dignity, and hospitality. My friend only asked why you were talking behind someone's back. I don't need to insult you to feel like a man. Who you really are is shown when there's no crowd and no one to step in."

Nurmagomedov Wants Another Battle with Dvalishvili

The post only added another layer to a rivalry that has refused to cool down. The 30-year-old has made no secret of his desire to run things back with Dvalishvili, insisting on multiple occasions that avenging his lone professional defeat means more to him than immediately chasing another title shot.

Dvalishvili, however, has remained firm, arguing that Nurmagomedov was handed his championship opportunity too early and has yet to earn another crack at him. Ironically, neither man will step onto the mat against the other at RAF Georgia.

Instead, Dvalishvili is scheduled to face former two-division UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Cejudo in the event's headline freestyle wrestling bout.