Ten people have been arrested following the hotel brawl involving members of the camps of Merab Dvalishvili and Usman Nurmagomedov, with Abu Dhabi Police referring those detained to the Public Prosecution. The authorities have yet to identify any of them, but the arrests raise questions about the potential penalties under UAE law, including possible prison sentences and fines for those found guilty.
Abu Dhabi Police confirm 10 arrests after hotel brawl
The confrontation took place in the lobby of the Yas Hilton hotel on Wednesday, November 11, when former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili was conducting an interview ahead of his appearance at Real American Freestyle’s (RAF) Abu Dhabi event. Usman Nurmagomedov approached with members of his entourage, and an exchange between the two groups escalated into a fight.Dvalishvili later shared footage showing a cut to his face and alleged that Nurmagomedov and his associates had attacked him and his friend. The incident came two days before RAF stages its first event in the Middle East, with Dvalishvili scheduled to face Marlon Moraes and Umar Nurmagomedov set to meet Urijah Faber on Saturday, November 14.Abu Dhabi Police confirmed on Thursday evening that 10 people had been arrested. Eight were identified as individuals involved in the fight, while two others were arrested for filming the incident. All 10 were referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings.In its statement, the police said the fight followed previous disputes between several individuals and stressed its commitment to maintaining public order and dealing firmly with behaviour that threatens public safety.However, the announcement did not identify any of those arrested. There has been no official confirmation that Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar Nurmagomedov or Dvalishvili is among the 10 people detained. Although reports have suggested that Usman was taken into custody, the police statement itself names none of the fighters, and their individual status remains unconfirmed.
What prison sentence could those involved face?
The potential punishment for physical assault depends largely on the injuries sustained and their consequences under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, the country’s Penal Code.Under Article 390, an assault that results in injuries causing incapacity for 20 days or less can carry a prison sentence of up to one year and a fine of up to AED 10,000 (approx. $2,700). That is the potential maximum penalty for the category of assault described in the legal provisions, not an automatic sentence for everyone involved in the hotel fight.More serious injuries can lead to heavier punishment. Where an assault leaves a victim unable to work for more than 20 days, the law provides for imprisonment and a fine, with the precise penalty depending on the circumstances and extent of the injury.The medical assessment of those involved could therefore become important in determining how prosecutors classify the incident. Dvalishvili shared footage of a facial cut and receiving treatment, but that alone does not establish the legal severity of his injuries. The authorities would need to consider medical evidence alongside the circumstances of the confrontation.The consequences could be more severe if prosecutors establish aggravating circumstances, including a premeditated attack or the involvement of multiple assailants. The footage circulated online shows several people involved in the confrontation, but it does not, by itself, establish who initiated the violence or the individual conduct of each person. Those findings would have to come through the investigation and legal proceedings.
Could they also face public-order charges?
The consequences may extend beyond physical assault. Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, conduct that disrupts public order or threatens public safety can attract additional criminal penalties.Under Article 210, participating in a gathering of at least five people in a public place under circumstances that threaten public security can carry imprisonment and a fine. If participants refuse to disperse after an order from the authorities, the legal consequences can become more serious. Where a gathering results in a disturbance of public peace or endangers others, the law provides for further penalties.Separately, Article 411 covers certain acts that violate public decency. Such offences can carry imprisonment of up to one year or a fine, depending on the conduct involved.Public insults and abusive language can also attract separate penalties under UAE law, with some offences carrying imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to AED 20,000 (approx. $5,400).However, these are potential legal provisions, not automatic charges. Prosecutors would need to establish the specific conduct of each individual and whether the legal requirements for each offence were met.
Could those who filmed the fight face separate penalties?
The two arrests involving people who filmed the confrontation raise a separate legal issue. Abu Dhabi Police explicitly distinguished them from the eight people arrested for participating in the fight, confirming that they too had been referred to the Public Prosecution.UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which deals with cybercrime, includes provisions concerning privacy and the unauthorised recording or sharing of images and videos. Depending on the circumstances, the recording or circulation of footage without consent could attract separate legal scrutiny. However, the fact that two people were arrested for filming the incident does not establish which specific offence they may face or what punishment prosecutors might seek.
What happens after the arrests?
The referral of the 10 individuals to the Public Prosecution marks the next stage of the process. Prosecutors will examine the circumstances of the fight, the available footage, medical evidence and the conduct of those involved before determining what charges, if any, should follow.The fact that Dvalishvili reportedly did not intend to press charges does not, by itself, establish that the case will end. Police have already confirmed that they intervened following a public altercation and arrested those they identified as being involved, alongside the two people accused of filming it.For now, the central distinction remains between the confirmed arrests and the identities of those detained. Abu Dhabi Police have named no individuals, and there is no official confirmation that Dvalishvili, Usman Nurmagomedov or Umar Nurmagomedov is among them. Until the authorities identify the people involved and the Public Prosecution establishes the nature of any charges, the possible prison terms and fines remain dependent on the findings of the investigation.
Could the Abu Dhabi incident derail Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC ambitions ?
Usman Nurmagomedov’s anticipated move to the UFC could face complications as the Abu Dhabi investigation develops. The 28-year-old has established himself as one of the leading lightweights outside the promotion, and UFC president Dana White acknowledged the organisation’s interest last month, telling The National: “We’re interested.” Nurmagomedov is now a free agent after his PFL contract expired and the organisation’s 90-day exclusive negotiating period ended on October 29.
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Usman Nurmagomedov.
However, his conduct outside competition has previously attracted attention. At UFC 302 in June 2024, he entered the octagon to celebrate Islam Makhachev’s submission victory over Dustin Poirier before security escorted him away. He repeated the move in August after his brother Umar was knocked out by Song Yadong.The Abu Dhabi incident presents a more serious concern because it has resulted in arrests and a referral to the Public Prosecution. If Nurmagomedov faces criminal charges or a conviction, the outcome could influence the UFC’s assessment of a potential signing. There is no indication that the promotion has imposed a ban or taken disciplinary action against him.
