Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has been released from custody following a violent altercation at the Yas Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
The fighter, alongside associate Saba Lazishvili, faced potential incarceration after being caught in a lobby brawl involving members of Usman Nurmagomedov’s camp, as reported by video evidence.
The pair secured their release through the intervention of RAF owner Chad Bronstein, according to recent industry reports.
Despite the physical confrontation, both men remain scheduled to compete on an upcoming card, with Dvalishvili set to face Marlon Moraes.
Following his release, Dvalishvili utilized social media to issue a statement regarding the legal fallout, as detailed in court coverage.
In a surprising move, the Georgian fighter expressed a desire to see his rivals avoid prison time.
“I do hope that they release everyone – I would not press charges,” Dvalishvili wrote on X.
He added that his primary goal is to foster peace and support for all parties involved in the incident.
While the Georgian fighters were ordered to pay $14,000 fines each to resolve their legal standing, the outcome for the opposing camp was significantly more severe.
Usman Nurmagomedov and his associates were sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to pay $81,700 each, with deportation pending upon completion of their sentences.
The intensity of the brawl has drawn sharp criticism from UFC leadership.
Dana White expressed frustration regarding the incident, according to official event commentary.
White suggested that the camp associated with Nurmagomedov has a history of creating disruptive problems at various locations.
The legal developments have cast doubt on the future of the PFL champion, particularly regarding his potential transition to the UFC, according to MMA industry analysis.
Dvalishvili, meanwhile, maintains that he is healthy and prepared to continue his professional fighting career as scheduled.