Usman Nurmagomedov and seven associates have been sentenced to six months in jail following a violent confrontation in an Abu Dhabi hotel lobby.
The group was ordered to pay a fine of approximately $81,700, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
The incident involved a brawl with fighter Merab Dvalishvili, who was later released from a detention center.
During the altercation, Dvalishvili’s friend, Saba Lazishvili, intervened in the fight.
Lazishvili was subsequently added to the Real American Freestyle (RAF) Abu Dhabi card to replace Umar Nurmagomedov in a match against Urijah Faber, according to wrestling coverage.
Umar Nurmagomedov is considered the suspected catalyst for the dispute due to long-standing tensions with Dvalishvili.
Ali Abdelaziz, a manager for the Nurmagomedov family, reportedly issued an apology to the country of Abu Dhabi regarding the conduct of the group.
UFC President Dana White addressed the incident during a press conference, stating, “that is not a place to f*** around.”
White further noted the broader impact of such behavior on the sport, remarking, “That stuff’s never good for business, it makes everybody involved look bad.”
Usman Nurmagomedov, who recently completed a contract with the PFL, remains a highly sought-after free agent despite the legal fallout.
The incident has drawn comparisons to previous high-profile altercations in combat sports, including the aftermath of UFC 229.
While the legal status of the sentences remains under observation, the event has intensified existing rivalries within the industry.
Lazishvili, who was released from custody on Friday, is now slated to compete on the upcoming wrestling card.