TLDR
- Merab Dvalishvili called Umar Nurmagomedov a ‘spoiled guy’ and refused to fight him again at a press conference
- A scuffle broke out between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov fans after the comments
- Dvalishvili defeated Nurmagomedov by decision for the UFC bantamweight title in January 2025
- Nurmagomedov’s camp claimed a broken hand prevented him from performing at his best
- Dvalishvili is focused on an immediate rematch with current champion Petr Yan instead of fighting Nurmagomedov
Sources: mmamania.com | yardbarker.com
A press conference ahead of RAF Georgia descended into chaos Friday when former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili dismissed the possibility of facing Umar Nurmagomedov again. The incident occurred in Tbilisi, Georgia, where Dvalishvili is scheduled to wrestle former UFC champion Henry Cejudo on Saturday.
When asked whether he would be willing to wrestle Nurmagomedov at a future Real American Freestyle event, Dvalishvili rejected the idea outright. “No, never, f— that guy,” Dvalishvili said. “Whoever RAF choose, I’ll fight. Except this spoiled guy.”
Members of Nurmagomedov’s team and supporters in attendance took exception to the comments. A scuffle broke out between Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov fans before order was restored.
History Behind the Rivalry
Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov fought for the UFC bantamweight title in January 2025. Dvalishvili won by decision with scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46.
After the fight, Nurmagomedov’s camp posted images showing a badly broken hand. They argued the injury prevented Umar from performing at full capacity during the bout.
CHAOS BREAKS OUT AT RAF IN GEORGIA 🤯
Things got out of control after the RAF press conference in Georgia, with members of Abdulrashid Sadulaev’s camp confronting Merab Dvalishvili over comments he made about their fellow Dagestani, Umar Nurmagomedov. pic.twitter.com/CxbCIHpNcV
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 11, 2026
Nurmagomedov fans have continued to claim their fighter would have won without the injury. The framing did not sit well with many in the MMA community.
Dvalishvili has repeatedly stated that Nurmagomedov coasted on his famous last name and never deserved a title shot in the first place. He has shown no interest in giving Nurmagomedov a second chance to prove himself.
Different Priorities for Both Fighters
Nurmagomedov has publicly stated he wants a rematch with Dvalishvili. He has said he desires revenge over Dvalishvili more than pursuing another title shot.
Dvalishvili is focused on different goals. He is preparing for an immediate rematch with current UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who defeated him to win the title.
The ongoing tension between the two fighters and their camps has only increased public interest in a potential second fight. Real American Freestyle has developed a reputation for producing chaotic moments around its events, with brawls breaking out at multiple press conferences involving UFC fighters.
Saturday’s RAF Georgia event will feature Dvalishvili facing Cejudo in a pure wrestling match. Dvalishvili is known for his relentless wrestling style, gas tank, and scrambling ability that has worn down highly decorated opponents throughout his career.
Cejudo won an Olympic gold medal in freestyle wrestling before transitioning to MMA. He became a champion in both the UFC flyweight and bantamweight divisions during his fighting career.
Dvalishvili’s refusal to face Nurmagomedov again comes as he prepares for his championship rematch with Yan. The former champion has made clear that reclaiming the UFC bantamweight title is his priority over settling scores with Nurmagomedov.
