Main Story

Merab Dvalishvili rebounded from a turbulent week by pinning Marlon Moraes at RAF Abu Dhabi. After the win, he praised Saba Lazishvili as a lifelong brother and urged authorities to release those detained after Wednesday’s altercation, saying fighters should be allowed to move on.

By the Numbers
  • Dvalishvili is 35.
  • He paid an AED 50,000 fine before being released.
  • Moraes scored 2 points early in the match.
Yes, But

Dvalishvili’s appeal for the release of those involved does not erase the seriousness of the altercation; the available details don’t clarify the authorities’ next steps or the status of everyone detained.

State of Play
  • Dvalishvili defeated his former UFC opponent under RAF rules, finishing the match with a pin.
  • Lazishvili was credited with helping defend Dvalishvili during the melee and was scheduled to make his RAF debut against Urijah Faber on short notice.
What's Next

Lazishvili’s scheduled bout with Faber is the immediate next development. The status of those detained after Wednesday’s incident remains unclear.

Bottom Line

Dvalishvili turned a week of conflict into a win—and used his post-fight moment to call for restraint and the release of those involved.