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 in wrestling exchanges. Dvalishvili went further to predict that Tsarukyan would be knocked out by Topuria in their hypothetical bout. The assessment represents Dvalishvili's view on how the stylistic matchup would play out between the two fighters.
Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a hypothetical clash between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, offering a pointed assessment that favors the former featherweight champion in every area of the fight.
Dvalishvili, the number-one ranked bantamweight contender, made clear he does not believe Tsarukyan would be able to take Topuria down, and went as far as predicting a knockout finish in Topuria's favor. The 35-year-old Georgian, fighting out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, carries an elite wrestling pedigree of his own, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career with a 21-5 record — context that gives his grappling analysis genuine credibility.
Topuria, the number-two ranked lightweight and the current pound-for-pound number-one fighter in the sport, holds a 17-1 record and is 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also contributes on the mat with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. Dvalishvili's argument appears rooted in Topuria's well-rounded skill set making him difficult to control or put away by conventional means.
Tsarukyan, ranked number one at lightweight at 29 years old, brings a 23-3 record and the division's top contender status into any conversation about the title picture. He averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy, making him a complete threat on the feet and on the ground.
Why it matters
- Topuria and Tsarukyan sit at numbers two and one respectively in the lightweight rankings, making any matchup between them a de facto title eliminator or championship bout
- Dvalishvili's wrestling credentials lend weight to his claim that Tsarukyan's grappling would struggle against Topuria
- A potential Topuria-Tsarukyan meeting would pit the division's two most prominent contenders and former featherweight gold against each other at 155 pounds
