Merab Dvalishvili shared his thoughts on the upcoming Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight, predicting that Topuria will knock out Tsarukyan when the Armenian tries to box with him. Dvalishvili also believes Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down. Reflecting on his own title fight, Merab acknowledged that Petr Yan was the only one who could have beaten him that night, praising Yan's unique style and toughness. He recalled being hurt by Yan's body kicks twice during their bout. In other news, Conor McGregor has reportedly paid Artem Lobov compensation for his contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand, though the exact amount was not disclosed. Carlos Ulberg has lost his championship belt at a party, and both Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler are training intensely for their upcoming fights.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record with bold predictions ahead of the featherweight title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and top contender Arman Tsarukyan, while also offering candid reflections on his own recent championship defense against Petr Yan.
Dvalishvili believes Tsarukyan will walk into a knockout if he attempts to trade punches with Topuria, arguing that standing and boxing with the Georgian champion is a losing strategy. He also expressed doubt that Tsarukyan will find success on the ground, suggesting the challenger's takedown game will not be enough to neutralize Topuria's finishing ability.
Looking back at his own title fight, Dvalishvili was generous in assessing Yan's performance, calling him the only opponent who could have beaten him that night. He specifically recalled being hurt twice by Yan's body kicks, crediting the Russian veteran's unorthodox style and toughness as genuine threats that tested him throughout the bout.
In a separate development, Conor McGregor has reportedly paid Artem Lobov compensation related to Lobov's contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. The exact figure was not disclosed. Lobov, 39, fights out of SBG Ireland and carries a professional record of 13-15-1.
Elsewhere, Carlos Ulberg has reportedly misplaced his championship belt at a social event, while both Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler are said to be deep in training camp ahead of their respective bouts.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's prediction adds high-profile perspective to one of the most anticipated featherweight matchups in recent memory
- The Lobov-McGregor settlement, if confirmed, resolves a long-standing financial dispute between former teammates
- Oliveira, ranked third at lightweight with a 37-11-0 record, and Chandler, 23-11-0 at 40 years old, both remain significant players in a stacked 155-pound division
