Eight people have been sentenced to prison following a violent confrontation involving MMA fighters Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, according to Yahoo Sports.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, reportedly began when Nurmagomedov approached Dvalishvili from behind and slapped the former UFC champion.
A video of the altercation shows fighting breaking out between the two fighters and their respective teams, as noted by the BBC.
Abu Dhabi police confirmed that 10 people were arrested in connection with the brawl, all of whom have since been convicted, reported The National.
Six of the defendants received six-month prison sentences, fines of £62,000 each, and deportation orders for “disturbing public security, causing panic and endangering lives,” according to the outlets.
Two additional individuals received identical sentences for “violating privacy by using information technology to film and publish footage of the brawl,” the reports stated.
The remaining two defendants were ordered to pay £10,200 each for their roles in the disturbance and for assaulting others.
While the defendants remain unnamed, Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein confirmed that Dvalishvili has been released from custody.
“I’m pleased to share that Merab Dvalishvili is back with us in Abu Dhabi,” Bronstein said in a statement.
Dvalishvili, 35, was slated to compete in an event this Saturday, while 28-year-old Nurmagomedov was in the city to support his brother.
Following the incident, Dvalishvili released a video calling his opponents “snakes” while receiving medical attention for a facial injury, according to the BBC.
UFC President Dana White addressed the situation on Friday, describing the altercation as “ridiculous” and “stupid,” and characterizing the participants as “a bunch of idiots,” as reported by the BBC.
The two teams had previously been involved in an altercation during a July event, a precursor that UFC fighter Islam Makhachev suggested played a role in the recent escalation.