Eight sentenced to jail in UAE over brawl involving two MMA fighters
Eight people have been sentenced to prison in Abu Dhabi following a mass brawl involving MMA fighters Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili. The defendants received varying sentences for disturbing public security, endangering lives, and violating privacy laws.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the strict legal consequences for public disturbances in the UAE and impacts the professional standing of high-profile international athletes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Merab Dvalishvili (left) has won 21 of his 27 professional fights
Eight people have received prison sentences for their part in a mass brawl involving MMA fighters Usman Nurmagomedov and Merab Dvalishvili at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
A video of the incident appeared to show Russian Nurmagomedov slapping former UFC bantamweight champion Dvalishvili after approaching the Georgian from behind.
Fighting then broke out between the two and members of their teams, with Abu Dhabi police later confirming the incident led to 10 arrests being made.
According to a social media post by Abu Dhabi's judicial department, all 10 defendants have been convicted for their part in the brawl.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Abu Dhabi Court Sentences Eight People Over Hotel Brawl
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