Islam Makhachev has defended Usman Nurmagomedov after footage showed Nurmagomedov confronting Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev says Dvalishvili started the dispute by allegedly slapping a Dagestani wrestler. Makhachev defends his teammate by pointing to an earlier Georgia confrontation. The account does not settle the immediate circumstances in Abu Dhabi or confirm Saturday’s wrestling appearances.