A fight between mixed martial arts fighters and their associates at a Yas Island hotel has ended in ten arrests, just days before the city hosts its first RAF card.

Abu Dhabi Police confirmed on Thursday afternoon that eight people were detained over the fight itself, while two others were held for filming it. The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution.

What happened

The incident took place on Wednesday at a hotel on Yas Island. Merab Dvalishvili, a UFC fighter due to compete at Etihad Arena on Saturday, was giving an interview in the lobby for the RAF promotion when he was approached from behind.

Video that spread quickly on social media appears to show Usman Nurmagomedov and people with him walking up to Dvalishvili while he spoke with Saba Lazishvili. Nurmagomedov appears to say something before slapping Dvalishvili across the face. A scuffle then breaks out between the two groups.

Dvalishvili later posted his own account online. He said he and a younger friend were punched from behind and that people kept kicking them after they fell. Clips he shared show a medic treating a cut on his face. These are his claims and the police have not publicly confirmed the details.

The police response

In a statement, Abu Dhabi Police described the clash as a fight over previous disputes between several individuals, and said it took place at the entrance of the hotel. The force said it would deal firmly with behaviour that threatens public safety or public order, and urged residents and visitors to follow the law and behave in a responsible and civilised way.

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported earlier in the day that everyone involved was still being held by authorities. The National reported that Dvalishvili is not the one pressing charges, because police were alerted as the incident happened in a public place and was captured on camera. The outlet said it was still making its own inquiries.

As in any criminal case, those arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise in court.

Who is involved

Nurmagomedov is not on the RAF Abu Dhabi card. He travelled to the capital to support his older brother Umar, who is scheduled to face Urijah Faber. The 28-year-old Russian is among the most sought-after free agents in the sport. He is unbeaten in his MMA career, with 22 wins from 23 fights and one no contest, and his last bout was a first-round knockout in July that defended his PFL lightweight title.

Reports say he turned down an offer of about $2 million to stay with the PFL, and his exclusive negotiating window expired on 29 October. He is widely expected to join the UFC. UFC president Dana White said last month that the promotion is interested.

Dvalishvili, 35, has a history with the Nurmagomedov camp. His past win over Umar at UFC 311 is a source of tension, and he was involved in a separate scuffle with an associate of Umar's before RAF Georgia, after which the two sides traded insults in the media.

Dvalishvili is booked to face Marlon Moraes in a catchweight crossover match on Saturday as part of the RAF's debut in the Middle East.

Reaction and what comes next

Fellow UFC fighter Ilia Topuria, a close friend of Dvalishvili, criticised Nurmagomedov on social media, saying the group had failed to show the values they claim to hold.

The RAF said officials would address the incident at Thursday's pre-event press conference. It is not yet clear whether the arrests will affect the card, or whether charges will be filed against any of those held.

For Abu Dhabi, the timing is awkward. The emirate has worked hard to establish itself as a global home for combat sports, and the clash happened in public, in front of cameras, days before an event intended to showcase that reputation.