Merab Dvalishvili Slapped Umar Nurmagomedov’s Friend Before Monumental RAF Comeback Win

Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili slaps Umar Nurmagomedov's teammate and wrestling veteran at RAF Georgia.

Merab Dvalishvili Slapped Umar Nurmagomedov’s Friend Before Monumental RAF Comeback Win

Merab Dvalishvili's altercation at RAF Georgia (via Istagram, Bloody Elbow)

Merab Dvalishvili endured a turbulent 2025 despite defending the UFC bantamweight championship three times. He eventually lost the title to Petr Yan at UFC 323 before finding renewed momentum under the RAF banner. Still signed with the UFC, the Georgian superstar recently ignited tensions by slapping Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov before his match against former rival Henry Cejudo at RAF Georgia.

Gadzhimagomedov is one of Russia’s most accomplished freestyle wrestlers, representing Dagestan’s renowned wrestling tradition throughout his career. He won the 2020 Olympic silver medal, claimed the 2021 World Championship, and captured multiple European titles. The decorated wrestler has remained an active figure in combat sports, carrying an elite reputation built through years of success.

Gadzhimagomedov attended RAF Georgia to support Abdulrashid Sadulaev, who lost to Kyle Snyder during the event. Before the action began, he came face-to-face with Dvalishvili backstage. Initial social media posts claimed Dvalishvili slapped a fan, but later footage showed the former UFC champion grabbing the Dagestan native by the neck before landing a slap, sparking a major altercation.

The incident began at the RAF Georgia press conference after a fan asked Dvalishvili about wrestling Umar Nurmagomedov. Dvalishvili insulted his former UFC opponent, extending their long-running rivalry. Gadzhimagomedov, a close associate of Nurmagomedov, later confronted Dvalishvili backstage.

Dvalishvili defeated Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision at UFC 311 in January 2025, handing him his first professional loss. Despite breaking his hand during the fight, the Georgian superstar retained his bantamweight title through superior cardio and consistent grappling across five rounds.

The former champion has previously explained why his rivalry with Nurmagomedov became deeply personal. He believed Nurmagomedov’s cousins and teammates pushed the Dagestani star to disrespect him throughout the UFC 311 buildup. That history has continued to fuel tensions between the two camps.

Despite their rivalry, Nurmagomedov has rarely responded publicly to Dvalishvili’s comments or attempted to escalate the feud. The former title challenger has instead remained focused on his own career. He also nominated Dvalishvili to be the 2025 Fighter of the Year as part of a social media trend.

Dvalishvili has repeatedly been involved in confrontations outside competition. At UFC 310, he grabbed a fan after the spectator repeatedly taunted him during fight week. The former bantamweight champion has also been involved in multiple backstage altercations throughout his career. The incident will likely catch Umar Nurmagomedov’s attention given their association.

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Umar Nurmagomedov has a strong stance on Merab Dvalishvili’s altercation while ex-champ emerge victorious

Umar Nurmagomedov enjoyed a rapid rise through the UFC bantamweight division, remaining unbeaten before earning a title shot at UFC 311. However, his momentum ended after Merab Dvalishvili handed him the first loss of his professional career by unanimous decision.

After losing to Dvalishvili at UFC 311, Nurmagomedov returned to the Octagon with consecutive victories to rebuild his momentum. ‘The Young Eagle’ earned unanimous decision wins over Mario Bautista at UFC 321 and former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 324.

Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili face to face
Umar Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili face to face (via MMA Fighting)

After UFC 311, Dvalishvili continued calling out Nurmagomedov and frequently targeted the Dagestani contender. Despite the repeated remarks, Nurmagomedov initially disputed the defeat but acknowledged the result. He instead showed respect toward the Georgian rather than continuing the rivalry publicly.

The Dagestani bantamweight responded after Dvalishvili’s altercation with Akhmed Gadzhimagomedov at RAF Georgia. He defended his close associate, saying Gadzhimagomedov confronted Dvalishvili over his earlier remarks. It marked one of Nurmagomedov’s strongest public responses toward his rival.

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.

Umar Nurmagomedov via X

Despite the controversy of the slap incident, it didn’t deter ‘The Machine’ from beating Henry Cejudo at RAF Georgia. Dvalishvili had to overcome an 0-8 deficit to eventually win the bout 11-8 after three rounds. A rematch against ‘Young Eagle’ is definitely going to happen at some point in the future.

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