UFC star and 21-year-old friend reportedly cleared to wrestle at RAF days after fending off hotel lobby ambush

That's right.Despite some headwinds — which you'll see in just a minute — the former UFC champion will reportedly wrestle Marlon Moraes at RAF (Real American Freestyle) later today on FOX Nation.WATCH RAF ON FOX NATIONA Fox Nation RAF promo "I’m pleased to share that Merab Dvalishvili is back with us in Abu Dhabi," RAF CEO and co-founder Chad Bronstein wrote in a statement.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the relevant authorities in Abu Dhabi for their professionalism and support."We remain focused on moving forward and are pleased to have Merab back with us."RAF confirmed via Instagram that Dvalishvili was "confirmed" for tonight's bout.Here's footage from the scuffle (probably an understatement), which took place earlier in the week in a hotel lobby:MMA FIGHTERS, INCLUDING FORMER UFC CHAMP, GET INTO WILD MELEE AT ABU DHABI HOTEL LOBBYGoodness gracious.What a fight! What an attack.

That's what we call an ambush in the business, folks.Just brutal stuff.Credit to Dvalishvili, who held his own — along with his buddy, 21-year-old Sabaa Lazishvili.

That was the most impressive part.You expect the former UFC fighter to stand his ground, but his friend really stepped up to the plate here.Credit where it's due.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE"My young friend, he’s only a 21-year-old wrestler from Georgia, and he was with me," Dvalishvili said via social media.

"He fought both brothers, Usman and Umar.He said, ‘I’m moving to MMA if two guys can only do this to me.’ And then he also fought the other guys."Oh my God.

Security was holding me, and they were kicking and punching us.What the heck? Life is good, guys.

Everything is good.Everything is good."Khabib Nurmagomedov before a bout between Merab Dvalishvili (not pictured) fights Umar Nurmagomedov (not pictured) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, Calif., on Jan.

18, 2025.(Gary A.

Vasquez-Imagn Images)Merab Dvalishvili fights Sean O'Malley in a bantamweight ti...