Merab Dvalishvili gave his analysis on a potential matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, stating that Tsarukyan would be unable to take Topuria down and would ultimately be knocked out. Dvalishvili's comments reflect his confidence in Topuria's wrestling defense and striking power against the highly regarded grappler Tsarukyan. The post appears to be Dvalishvili's assessment of the technical matchup between these two fighters. No indication was given that this fight is currently scheduled or being negotiated.
Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight showdown between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, declaring that Tsarukyan would fail to take Topuria down and would eventually be stopped by the Spaniard's striking.
Dvalishvili, ranked first in the bantamweight division and second pound-for-pound in the UFC, brings credibility to any conversation about wrestling and grappling dynamics. The 35-year-old Georgian, who fights out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, carries a 21-5 record and is among the most relentless wrestlers in the sport, averaging an extraordinary 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. His read on grappling matchups carries weight.
Topuria, the number-two ranked lightweight and current top pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, holds a 17-1 record and competes out of Spain. The 29-year-old orthodox fighter stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. Dvalishvili's assessment leans heavily on Topuria's wrestling defense and knockout power as factors that would neutralize Tsarukyan's grappling threat.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division, enters any discussion as one of the more complete fighters in the weight class. The 29-year-old Russian trains out of American Top Team and carries a 23-3 record. He averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects at a 50 percent striking accuracy rate, landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute. His 72-inch reach gives him a three-inch advantage over Topuria.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan sits at lightweight number one while Topuria is number two, making any matchup between them an immediate title eliminator or title fight scenario
- Dvalishvili's elite wrestling background lends analytical weight to his claim that Topuria's takedown defense would neutralize Tsarukyan's biggest weapon
- Both fighters are 29 and near their athletic peaks, raising the stakes of any eventual meeting
No fight between Topuria and Tsarukyan is scheduled or reportedly in negotiation at this time.
