Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili responds to Umar Nurmagomedov regarding the RAF Georgia altercation, explains his actions, and provides an update on a potential trilogy fight with Petr Yan.
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has issued a fiery response to Umar Nurmagomedov following recent comments about a physical altercation that took place in Georgia.
The incident occurred this past July at a RAF Georgia pre-fight press conference. Dvalishvili was involved in a scuffle with a friend of Nurmagomedov named Ahmad, who confronted the Georgian fighter for dismissing the idea of a wrestling match with Nurmagomedov. (Dvalishvili previously defeated Nurmagomedov via decision at UFC 311 in January 2025).
After Nurmagomedov publicly questioned Dvalishvili’s conduct, “The Machine” took to social media to clarify his side of the story and defend his actions.
“That’s My Culture”: Dvalishvili Explains the Altercation
Dvalishvili didn’t deny initiating the physical response, framing his actions as a direct reaction to disrespect and a reflection of his Georgian upbringing.
“Umar and some small people keep talking trash about me,” Dvalishvili said. “You guys probably don’t know anything about life, but I am a man. If you come to me, pulling me over, disrespecting me, and talking loudly in a different language, I will slap your face. Because that’s who I am. That’s how I grew up, that’s my culture, and that’s what you’re going to get.
“It doesn’t matter if I am in the U.S., Mexico, Australia, or my country Georgia. If you come with bad intentions, you’re going to get bad intentions.”
Resolving the Situation in Tbilisi
While viral clips showed Dvalishvili slapping Ahmad, the former champion revealed that the situation was quickly defused behind the scenes to avoid a larger conflict.
Dvalishvili explained that local fans and friends in Tbilisi were ready to step in, which could have escalated dangerously for foreign guests. Recognizing the risk, he personally met with Ahmad to squash the beef.
“I found the guy I had the accident with, I shook his hand, and everything is done—we are cool,” Dvalishvili explained. “But you guys, small people, keep talking and trying to provoke. You weren’t there, you don’t know what happened. Stop this trash talk, stop this nonsense. You guys are little people. You have to learn life. Peace everybody, let’s go.”
What’s Next? Waiting for the Petr Yan Trilogy
Closing out his video, Dvalishvili shifted his attention back to the octagon and his ongoing rivalry with current champion Petr Yan.
The series between the two bantamweight titans is currently tied at 1-1: Dvalishvili won their first meeting in 2023, while Yan reclaimed the title by defeating Dvalishvili at UFC 323 last December. Dvalishvili made it clear that he is ready for the rubber match and is simply waiting for Yan to sign on the dotted line.
“Hopefully Petr will sign the contract,” Dvalishvili added. “I’m waiting for the UFC announcement, waiting for Petr to sign. UFC knows I’ve been ready since springtime, and hopefully our trilogy fight happens soon. If later, I’m waiting patiently.”
What do you think of Merab’s response? Will he reclaim the belt in a trilogy with Petr Yan?
