Merab Dvalishvili offered his analysis on a potential matchup between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, expressing strong doubts about Tsarukyan's chances. Dvalishvili stated that he believes Tsarukyan would be unable to successfully take down and control Topuria in a grappling exchange. Furthermore, the bantamweight champion predicted that Tsarukyan would be knocked out by Topuria in a striking exchange. The post includes a poll asking readers whether they agree with Dvalishvili's assessment or believe he is overestimating Topuria's abilities.
Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight title fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, and he is not giving the top-ranked contender much of a chance in either phase of the fight.
Dvalishvili, the bantamweight champion ranked second in the pound-for-pound standings, expressed serious doubt that Tsarukyan would be able to take Topuria down and control him on the mat. The 35-year-old Georgian fighter, who competes out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team and carries a 21-5 record, is himself one of the most relentless wrestlers in the sport, averaging 6.4 takedowns per fifteen minutes. His read on grappling matchups carries weight. He also predicted that if the fight stays on the feet, Tsarukyan gets knocked out.
Tsarukyan sits at the top of the lightweight rankings with a 23-3 record. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.26 takedowns per fifteen minutes. He has a four-inch reach advantage over Topuria, measuring 72 inches compared to Topuria's 69 inches.
Topuria, who holds a 17-1 record and currently ranks second in the lightweight division, is the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world according to the AgentMMA rankings. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds nearly two takedowns per fifteen minutes of his own, giving him a well-rounded offensive profile at 170 centimeters tall.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the number-one ranked lightweight and the most likely next challenger for the division's title picture
- Topuria, at number two, is the top pound-for-pound fighter and a clear divisional threat
- Dvalishvili's critique targets both Tsarukyan's wrestling effectiveness and his durability on the feet, framing Topuria as dominant in both areas
