Merab Dvalishvili has responded to Umar Nurmagomedov after the former bantamweight champion was criticized over a physical altercation at RAF Georgia.
Dvalishvili became involved in a confrontation with Ahmad, a friend of Nurmagomedov’s, during a pre-fight press conference in July. The incident escalated after Ahmad confronted Dvalishvili over his refusal to entertain a wrestling match with Nurmagomedov.
Dvalishvili and Nurmagomedov have already settled their differences inside the Octagon. Dvalishvili defeated him by decision at UFC 311 in January 2025 to retain his bantamweight title.
Dvalishvili Explains the Altercation
Nurmagomedov recently questioned Dvalishvili over the incident, asking, “How do you live with that?” Dvalishvili offered a blunt response in a social media video Tuesday. He said the confrontation was about how he was approached rather than who was involved.
“Umar and some small people keep talking trash about me.”
“You guys probably don’t know anything about life, but I am a man, and if you come to me, pulling me over, disrespect me, start loud talk with me in a different language, I will slap your face.”
Dvalishvili said his reaction was shaped by his upbringing and Georgian culture.
“Because that’s who I am. That’s how I grew up.”
The viral footage appeared to show Dvalishvili slapping Ahmad during the confrontation. Dvalishvili did not deny initiating the physical contact, but maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being overlooked.
“So it doesn’t matter if I am in U.S., if I am in Mexico, in Australia, or in my country Georgia. If you come with bad intentions, you’re going to get bad intentions.”
Merab Says the Situation Could Have Escalated
Dvalishvili also pointed to the potential consequences of the incident taking place in his home country. He said he realized afterward that the confrontation could have triggered a much larger situation involving local fans and his supporters.
“After that incident happened, of course I realized I was in Georgia and especially I realized after, all the teenagers, all the Georgian kids from Tbilisi wanted to fight.”
Dvalishvili said he eventually found Ahmad and made peace with him by shaking his hand.
“That’s why I find a guy who I got an accident with and I shake his hand and everything is done and we are cool.”
He then turned his attention back toward Nurmagomedov and those continuing to discuss the incident.
“But you guys, small people, keep talking about you guys trying to provocate, you guys wasn’t there, you guys don’t know what happened.”
“So stop this trash talk, stop this nonsense talking and you guys are little people.”
Dvalishvili Waiting on Petr Yan Trilogy
Dvalishvili also addressed his ongoing rivalry with Petr Yan. The pair have split their first two fights. Dvalishvili won their initial meeting in 2023 before Yan defeated him at UFC 323 in December, ending his bantamweight title reign.
A third meeting appears to be the direction both fighters are heading toward, with Dvalishvili waiting for the UFC to make it official.
“Hopefully Petr will sign the contract.”
“I’m waiting for UFC announcement, waiting for when Petr will sign the contract, and UFC knows I’ve been ready since springtime and hopefully our trilogy fight happens soon.”