Merab Dvalishvili has publicly called for everyone imprisoned over this week’s hotel brawl in Abu Dhabi to be released.
Dvalishvili made the appeal after competing at RAF Abu Dhabi on Saturday, where he pinned Marlon Moraes in 1:30 at Etihad Arena.
Speaking after the match, Dvalishvili directly appealed to the authorities:
I will say, Abu Dhabi government or whoever can, whoever can do it, please release those guys and please let them out, please, please, because we are just fighters and these things can happen. But I want them out, please.
The comments followed an earlier statement from Dvalishvili in which he said he wanted “peace” and did not wish to pursue charges against those involved.
Six defendants were sentenced to six months in prison, fined 300,000 dirhams (approximately $81,700) each and ordered deported after serving their sentences for disturbing public security, causing panic and endangering lives.
MMA Fighting reported that Usman Nurmagomedov and five associates were among those six.
Two additional defendants received six-month prison sentences, 300,000-dirham (approximately $81,700) fines and deportation orders after being convicted of privacy violations for filming and publishing footage of the incident.
Dvalishvili and his teammate Saba Lazishvili were each fined 50,000 dirhams (approximately $13,600) for disturbing public security and assaulting others but were not sentenced to prison.
The incident occurred Wednesday in the lobby of the Yas Hilton while Dvalishvili was participating in an RAF interview. Video showed Nurmagomedov approaching him from behind and striking him before a larger fight broke out involving members of both groups.
Abu Dhabi authorities subsequently arrested 10 people in connection with the incident.
Dvalishvili’s request for leniency does not, of itself, affect the court sentences. UAE outlet The National reported that the criminal proceedings were brought by Abu Dhabi authorities, rather than arising from a complaint filed by Dvalishvili.
Despite being detained for roughly two days following the incident, Dvalishvili was cleared to compete against Moraes as originally scheduled.
His teammate Lazishvili was also added to the RAF card as a replacement for Umar Nurmagomedov and defeated Urijah Faber by a 12-7 decision.
