Merab Dvalishvili claims UFC 310 fan altercation was a staged provocation by Umar Nurmagomedov’s team

UFC bantamweight star Merab Dvalishvili has made waves with his claims that a recent altercation at UFC 310 was no accident. The incident, which unfolded backstage after Dvalishvili cornered his teammate Aljamain Sterling during a fight against Movsar Evloev, has now taken a controversial turn with accusations of orchestration involving his next opponent, Umar Nurmagomedov.

What Happened at UFC 310?

The backstage drama began as Merab Dvalishvili made his way out of the arena following Sterling’s fight. Videos captured the chaos: Dvalishvili, visibly upset, was restrained by security while teammate Dennis Buzukja engaged in a physical altercation with an unidentified fan. The individual was eventually escorted out by security.

The incident drew attention not only from fans but also from UFC CEO Dana White, who humorously dubbed Dvalishvili a “mini-[Sean] Strickland.” White’s comment highlighted Dvalishvili’s recent history of heated incidents outside the cage, including a confrontation with a heckler at the Craig Jones Invitational earlier this year.

However, Dvalishvili insists this was no mere coincidence. According to him, the confrontation was a deliberate provocation by Umar Nurmagomedov’s team.

Dvalishvili’s Allegations of Setup

After the altercation, Dvalishvili took to social media to share his version of events. In a fiery post, he accused Nurmagomedov’s team of orchestrating the incident. “More lies, disrespect, and deliberate provocations from Umar’s team,” Dvalishvili wrote on Twitter, sharing a video that purportedly reveals the truth behind the encounter.

The video, which has since gained traction online, alleges that the fan involved in the scuffle is a known associate of Nurmagomedov. Evidence presented includes photographs of the individual posing with members of Nurmagomedov’s team, including UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Dvalishvili claims this was a calculated effort to provoke him in the lead-up to his highly anticipated fight with Nurmagomedov.

The Backstory: Rakhmonov and UFC 310 Drama

Adding to the intrigue, Dvalishvili suggested that the alleged setup stemmed from perceived disrespect toward Shavkat Rakhmonov, who competed in the co-main event of UFC 310. Rakhmonov faced Ian Machado Garry in a thrilling bout later that evening. While the exact details of this supposed slight remain unclear, the timing of the altercation has sparked speculation about its intent.

The drama only heightens the anticipation for Dvalishvili’s upcoming clash with Nurmagomedov. If the claims of deliberate provocation hold any weight, it could mark a new level of psychological warfare in UFC rivalries.

Fueling the Fire for Dvalishvili vs. Nurmagomedov

The controversy surrounding Merab Dvalishvili’s UFC 310 altercation has amplified the stakes for his next fight against Umar Nurmagomedov. Whether the incident was a random outburst or a calculated move by Nurmagomedov’s team, it highlights the high tensions that define UFC rivalries.

As fans eagerly await this bout, the allegations of “lies” and “disrespect” have set the stage for an electrifying showdown. With both fighters vying for dominance in the bantamweight division, this feud promises to be settled not in words but in the octagon.