Dvalishvili Absent from Press Conference Following Arrest; Nurmagomedov Confirmed Out of Abu Dhabi Event

Merab Dvalishvili failed to attend the RAF Abu Dhabi pre-match press conference on Thursday, following his arrest alongside Usman Nurmagomedov and eight other individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday when Dvalishvili was ambushed by Nurmagomedov and several others while giving an interview in the lobby of an Abu Dhabi hotel. Abu Dhabi Police reported that eight people involved in the altercation were arrested, along with two others who filmed the incident, and all have been referred to the Public Prosecutor. Addressing inquiries about the incident and Dvalishvili's condition at Thursday's press conference, RAF co-owner and CEO Chad Bronstein stated that the organization was collaborating with UAE authorities to secure Dvalishvili's release. "We're working through the situation right now. Merab is doing well. We're working through the situation now with the UAE [authorities]. So we're hoping that the situation gets resolved sooner or later," Bronstein commented.

While Usman Nurmagomedov was not slated to compete at RAF Abu Dhabi, his brother Umar was scheduled to wrestle. Dvalishvili had identified both brothers in a video detailing the attack against him and Saba Lazishvili. However, Umar was also conspicuously absent from Thursday's press conference. The National has not yet confirmed Umar's involvement in Wednesday's altercation or whether he was among the 10 individuals arrested. When questioned by The National regarding potential punishments for those involved in the fracas, Bronstein confirmed, "Obviously Usman will not be attending our event on Saturday night."

Dvalishvili is scheduled to face Marlon Moraes in a Catchweight Crossover bout, while Umar is set to compete against former UFC star Urijah Faber in a Lightweight Crossover match. Urijah Faber, present at Thursday's RAF Abu Dhabi press conference at Etihad Arena, humorously speculated that the incident was orchestrated by the "Dagestani crew" to avoid wrestling him on Saturday. "In the big scheme of things, I think it was all part of a plan. The Dagestani crew, they've all been trying to find a way to get out of this match," Faber remarked. "I think Islam [Makhachev], Khabib [Nurmagomedov], Usman and Umar got together and were like, 'How are we gonna get out of wrestling Faber?' Usman stepped up and said, 'I'll do it. I'm gonna get us all arrested. We don't have to wrestle him.'"

Despite the jest, Faber finds himself in a precarious position without an opponent, unless RAF can secure a last-minute replacement. With Dvalishvili's participation also uncertain, Faber might be matched against Moraes. "We'll see what happens. I'm gonna wrestle somebody. So maybe this guy can help Umar and Usman get out of jail," he said, gesturing towards Bronstein.

The press conference proceeded with the arrival of Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan. Chimaev is set to face Chris Weidman in the main event, and Tsarukyan will compete against Neiman Gracie in the co-main event. Weidman, a former UFC middleweight champion, stepped in as a late replacement for the injured Colby Covington. Having retired from pro MMA in 2025, Weidman has prior wrestling experience with RAF, having previously lost to Covington. He expressed confidence in his readiness for Saturday's bout, stating, "I feel good. It's not ideal getting only six days' notice, but I've been wrestling since I was a kid, and it's just like riding a bike for me. It's been a while since I've had an opportunity to go against a guy who everybody looks at as the boogeyman, as somebody who's unbeatable. And Chimaev has that, but I like to shock the world." Chimaev, also a former UFC middleweight champion with an undefeated 27-0 wrestling record, is the favorite to win the vacant RAF Light Heavyweight title. "He's not in the UFC anymore, so maybe he can take some vitamins, maybe some secret juice," Chimaev commented on his opponent's chances. "I hope he can show up and we do some fun wrestling."