UFC CEO Dana White has delivered a blunt reaction to the altercation involving PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi, describing those involved as “a bunch of f*cking idiots.”
The incident, which took place at a hotel in Abu Dhabi ahead of this weekend’s Real American Freestyle (RAF) event, has attracted significant attention after footage emerged showing Nurmagomedov approaching Dvalishvili during an interview before striking him across the face. The confrontation quickly escalated into a larger altercation involving members of both groups. Speaking during Thursday’s UFC 334 pre-fight press conference in New York, White was asked about the incident and did not hold back in his response.
“What a bunch of f*cking idiots,” White said. “It’s absolutely ridiculous and stupid and they’re all in jail. That is not a place to go f*ck around.” The confrontation has also resulted in police action, with Abu Dhabi authorities confirming that 10 people were detained following the incident. According to reports, eight people were arrested over their alleged involvement in the altercation, while two others were detained for recording it. Authorities said the individuals were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings.
Dvalishvili had earlier shared footage showing injuries to his face following the incident. The former UFC champion was in Abu Dhabi ahead of his scheduled wrestling match against Marlon Moraes at RAF.
RAF officials subsequently confirmed that Nurmagomedov would not be attending the event. The promotion was also working with local authorities regarding Dvalishvili’s availability for his scheduled appearance.
Beyond condemning the incident, White also addressed questions about Nurmagomedov’s potential future with the UFC. The undefeated lightweight champion has attracted attention as a possible UFC signing following his recent run in the PFL. However, White made it clear that the promotion has not opened discussions with him.
“He’s still under contract,” White said. “We’re not talking to him right now anyway.” Nurmagomedov completed his latest PFL fight contract with a victory over Archie Colgan in July, but reports indicate that he remains within an exclusive negotiating period with the promotion. The situation means that, despite speculation about a possible move to the UFC, there is no immediate agreement or negotiation with White’s organization.
White also addressed the wider implications of the altercation, explaining that incidents of this nature reflect poorly on everyone involved. In a separate interaction with reporter Adam Glyn, White said: “That stuff is never good for business. It makes everyone involved look bad. It’s unfortunate. Now they’re all in jail in Abu Dhabi. We’ll see how that goes.”
With multiple people detained and the incident now involving local legal proceedings, attention remains on what happens next for those involved. For now, White has made his position clear: he considers the altercation unacceptable, while Nurmagomedov’s immediate UFC future remains uncertain as he continues to be under contract with the PFL.
