Merab Dvalishvili has shared his analysis of a potential matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria. The bantamweight contender stated that he believes Tsarukyan would be unable to successfully take down and control Topuria in a grappling exchange. Dvalishvili went further, predicting that Tsarukyan would be knocked out by Topuria in such a matchup. The comments represent Dvalishvili's assessment of the skills and abilities of both featherweight fighters. The post included a poll asking followers whether this was smart analysis or overpraising Topuria's abilities.
Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight title fight, arguing that Arman Tsarukyan would be unable to control Ilia Topuria on the ground and would ultimately be knocked out if the two were to meet.
Dvalishvili, the number-one ranked bantamweight contender, carries a 21-5 record and has built his reputation on suffocating grappling pressure. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, averages an exceptional 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most prolific wrestlers in the UFC. His comments on Tsarukyan's grappling limitations carry some weight given that wrestling volume is arguably Dvalishvili's greatest area of expertise.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division at 23-3, is no slouch on the ground himself, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes for American Top Team. The 29-year-old Russian also boasts a 50 percent striking accuracy rate, among the better figures in the division. Despite that, Dvalishvili believes those tools would not be enough to neutralize Topuria.
Topuria currently sits at number two in the lightweight rankings and holds the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings with a 17-1 record. The 29-year-old Spaniard, fighting out of Climent Club, lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and also adds a credible grappling threat with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. Dvalishvili's assessment suggests he views Topuria's physical attributes and defensive wrestling as too much for Tsarukyan to overcome.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any path to the title run through or around Topuria relevant
- Dvalishvili's expertise as one of the UFC's elite wrestlers lends his grappling analysis specific credibility
- The comments add public narrative pressure to one of the most anticipated potential lightweight matchups in the division
