Makhachev defends Nurmagomedov and blames Dvalishvili

Islam Makhachev defended Usman Nurmagomedov and blamed Merab Dvalishvili for the altercation in Abu Dhabi. According to him, a guest went to Merab without bad intent, just to talk, but Merab hit him and insulted his mother. Makhachev said Merab was the one who started the conflict.

Makhachev is the UFC welterweight champion and is ranked first in the UFC pound-for-pound list. Usman Nurmagomedov is the PFL lightweight champion. Merab Dvalishvili is ranked first in the UFC bantamweight division. On October 24 at UFC 333, he lost to Petr Yan by unanimous decision.