Merab Dvalishvili stated that while he likes Arman Tsarukyan as a fighter, he believes Ilia Topuria will defeat him. He predicts Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when trying to box with him. Merab also reflected on his loss to Petr Yan, crediting Yan's unique style and devastating body kicks. He described the pain from Yan's kicks as so severe that he had to press forward into strikes because he couldn't escape. The post also mentions that Conor McGregor paid Artem Lobov compensation for his contribution to Proper Twelve whiskey, though the amount remains undisclosed, and that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will finish Arman Tsarukyan by knockout, while also opening up about the lasting pain inflicted by Petr Yan during their contest.
Dvalishvili expressed respect for Tsarukyan as a competitor but was direct in his assessment: he does not believe Tsarukyan will be able to take Topuria down, and once the fight becomes a boxing match, Topuria's power will end it. Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits ranked second in the lightweight division while holding the number-one spot in the pound-for-pound rankings. Fighting out of Spain under the Climent Club banner, the orthodox striker known as El Matador lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also averages nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes himself — making him a genuine two-way threat.
On the subject of his own career, Dvalishvili reflected on his defeat to Petr Yan, crediting Yan's unconventional style and particularly his body kicks. He described the damage as so severe that moving forward into the strikes was less painful than trying to retreat from them — a vivid account of how Yan's attack broke down his usual pressure game.
Separately, Conor McGregor has paid Artem Lobov compensation for Lobov's contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand, though the specific figure was not disclosed. Lobov, 39, fights out of SBG Ireland and holds a 13-15-1 professional record. Also mentioned in passing, light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg reportedly lost his divisional belt at a party. Ulberg, 35, is ranked third at 205 pounds and carries a 15-1-0 record, landing an eye-catching 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Topuria versus Tsarukyan shapes up as a pivotal lightweight title fight, and Dvalishvili's insider view adds notable context
- Dvalishvili's candid breakdown of the Yan loss sheds light on what made that defeat so difficult to manage stylistically
- The Lobov-McGregor whiskey settlement closes a long-running dispute between former teammates
