Merab Dvalishvili: Arman Tsarukyan can't outwrestle Ilia Topuria, would get knocked out

Bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, declaring that Tsarukyan would be unable to outwrestle Topuria and would ultimately get knocked out.

Dvalishvili, ranked number one in the bantamweight division and second in the pound-for-pound standings, made the assessment while discussing the hypothetical matchup. The 35-year-old Georgian, who competes out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team and carries a 21-5 record, is himself one of the sport's most relentless wrestlers, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. That background lends weight to his read on how a grappling-based game plan might fare against Topuria.

Topuria, currently ranked second at lightweight and first pound-for-pound, holds a 17-1 record and trains out of Climent Club in Spain. The 29-year-old stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes of his own — suggesting he is far from a one-dimensional threat.

Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked lightweight contender, enters any conversation about the division's future with serious credentials of his own. The 29-year-old Russian carries a 23-3 record and trains at American Top Team. He averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, with a 72-inch reach providing a notable size advantage.

Why it matters

• Dvalishvili's wrestling pedigree gives his grappling analysis genuine credibility
• Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any title-fight conversation highly relevant to the division
• Topuria's combination of striking output and takedown ability makes him a difficult stylistic puzzle at 155 pounds
• The comments intensify the spotlight on a potential Topuria vs. Tsarukyan matchup at the top of the lightweight rankings