Authorities in Abu Dhabi moved quickly to sentence people involved in a fight between mixed martial arts fighters at a hotel. The incident took place Wednesday at a Hilton on Yas Island, and by Friday morning, several of those involved had been released or were headed to prison.
UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili, from Georgia, was filming a promotion for wrestling organization RAF when he was approached by Usman Nurmagomedov, a fighter from Dagestan, and a group accompanying him. The two sides have reportedly been rivals for some time.
Video of the incident appears to show Nurmagomedov slapping Dvalishvili before two other men joined the attack. A larger fight followed, and 10 people were arrested.
Six men were sentenced to six months in prison for disturbing public order, causing alarm, and putting lives at risk. They were also fined 300,000 dirhams each, about $81,000, and ordered to leave the country after serving their sentences.
Two more men received the same prison terms and fines for recording and sharing footage of the fight in violation of privacy laws. They, too, are to be deported after completing their sentences. Reports identified the eight men given prison terms as Nurmagomedov and members of his group.
There is some uncertainty about the exact number of people sentenced. An English translation of a statement from Abu Dhabi’s judicial department says all 10 defendants received six months in prison, a 300,000-dirham fine, and deportation. It is not clear whether the difference in accounts stems from translation.
Dvalishvili and his friend Saba Lazishvili were each fined 50,000 dirhams, around $13,400, for disturbing public order and assault. The two Georgians were released from custody Friday morning after RAF chief executive Chad Bronstein worked with local authorities on their case.
Bronstein said he was glad Dvalishvili had rejoined the group in Abu Dhabi and thanked local officials for their professionalism and support.
UFC president Dana White called the incident ridiculous and said those involved were in jail, adding that Abu Dhabi was not somewhere to take such risks. Asked about his first reaction to the news, he called the men idiots.
Dvalishvili is still expected to compete at the RAF event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Nurmagomedov’s brother Umar has been taken off the card and replaced by Lazishvili, a longtime wrestler.
