Merab Dvalishvili shared his predictions and reflections on recent fights. He stated that while he likes Arman Tsarukyan and considers him a great fighter, he believes Ilia Topuria will knock him out after Tsarukyan fails to take him down and tries to box with him. Dvalishvili also reflected on his own fight with Petr Yan, saying Yan was the only fighter who could have beaten him that night due to Yan's special preparation and unique style. He mentioned Yan landed painful body kicks that forced him to rush forward because he couldn't escape the pain. Additionally, the post notes that Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov for his contribution to Proper Twelve whiskey, though the exact amount was not disclosed, and that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record with a bold prediction for the anticipated lightweight showdown between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, while also opening up about the details of his own recent battle with Petr Yan.
Speaking in a recent media appearance, Dvalishvili said he respects Tsarukyan as a great fighter but believes Topuria will knock him out. His reasoning: once Tsarukyan fails to secure a takedown, he will be forced to box with Topuria — and that, Dvalishvili suggested, will be a costly mistake.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1-0 record and is currently ranked number one pound-for-pound and second in the lightweight division. Fighting out of Spain under the Climent Club banner, "El Matador" lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, and also maintains an active grappling game with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes. His combination of wrestling and sharp hands makes him a uniquely dangerous opponent for anyone who engages in a stand-up battle unprepared.
Dvalishvili also reflected on his fight with Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan was the only fighter capable of beating him that night. He credited Yan's special preparation and distinctive style, singling out Yan's body kicks as particularly damaging — strikes so painful they forced Dvalishvili to rush forward rather than move and manage distance effectively.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's breakdown adds credibility to questions about Tsarukyan's path to victory against Topuria, given his wrestling-first approach
- Topuria's pound-for-pound ranking and lightweight contender status make any commentary on his next opponent a significant storyline
- The candid admission about Yan's body kicks offers rare insight into Dvalishvili's in-fight decision-making and vulnerabilities
Separately, Conor McGregor has paid Artem Lobov a compensation sum — amount undisclosed — related to Lobov's contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov, 39, competing out of SBG Ireland, holds a 13-15-1 professional record. Also noted: light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg, ranked third at 205 pounds with a 15-1-0 record, reportedly lost his belt at a party.
