UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has shared his analysis of a potential matchup between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Dvalishvili stated that Tsarukyan would be unable to successfully take down and control Topuria in a grappling exchange. He further predicted that Tsarukyan would end up getting knocked out by Topuria in such a fight. The Georgian fighter's comments reflect his assessment of both fighters' skill sets and abilities. The post includes a poll asking readers whether Dvalishvili's analysis is accurate or if he's overrating Topuria's capabilities.
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight showdown between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, offering a pointed verdict on how he believes that fight would play out.
Dvalishvili, ranked number one in the bantamweight division and second in the pound-for-pound standings, made clear he does not see Tsarukyan's wrestling as a viable weapon against Topuria. The Georgian champion, who carries a 21-5 record and fights out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, is one of the most relentless grapplers in the sport, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. He argued that Tsarukyan would be unable to take down or control Topuria on the ground, and predicted the Armenian-Russian fighter would end up getting knocked out.
Topuria, the current number-two-ranked lightweight and the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world at just 29 years old, holds a 17-1 record and represents Spain. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, "El Matador" lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also contributes on the grappling side with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. Dvalishvili's comments suggest he views Topuria's all-around skill set as particularly difficult for Tsarukyan to navigate.
Tsarukyan enters the conversation as the top-ranked lightweight contender at 29 years old, boasting a 23-3 record and competing out of American Top Team. The Russian fighter brings a 72-inch reach and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, with a striking accuracy of 50 percent. Despite those credentials, Dvalishvili clearly does not believe Tsarukyan's grappling translates against an opponent of Topuria's caliber.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's comments come from a wrestler's perspective, lending them some credibility in assessing the grappling dynamic
- Topuria holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking, making any potential matchup at lightweight a marquee event
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, so the divisional stakes of this matchup are significant
