UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili shared his thoughts on the upcoming lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Dvalishvili stated that while he likes Arman and considers him a great fighter, Topuria will defeat him. He believes Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when he tries to box with Ilia. Dvalishvili also reflected on his own championship fight against Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan prepared specifically for him and had a unique style that caused him significant pain with body kicks. In separate news, Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov for his contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand, and Carlos Ulberg reportedly lost his belt at a party.
UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will stop Arman Tsarukyan in their upcoming lightweight title fight, backing his compatriot to win by knockout.
Dvalishvili acknowledged that he holds Tsarukyan in high regard as a fighter, but was emphatic that the challenger will struggle to close the gap against Topuria. In his view, Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down, and the moment he attempts to trade punches on the feet, he will be knocked out. Dvalishvili also reflected on his own experience defending the bantamweight title against Petr Yan, admitting that Yan had prepared a specific game plan targeting him and made the fight particularly painful with body kicks.
Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and first in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 17-1-0 record and is 29 years old. Fighting out of Spain, the orthodox striker lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes — a well-rounded profile that underpins Dvalishvili's confidence in him.
In separate news, Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov, recognizing Lobov's contribution to the creation of the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. The 39-year-old Lobov, who fights out of SBG Ireland and holds a professional record of 13-15-1, had long been publicly associated with the brand's origins.
Also making headlines, light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg reportedly lost his divisional belt at a party. The 35-year-old New Zealander from City Kickboxing holds a 15-1-0 record and is ranked third at 205 pounds. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, Ulberg is one of the division's most physically imposing fighters, landing 6.54 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 55 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Topuria's next title defense at lightweight carries pound-for-pound implications given his current top ranking
- Dvalishvili's endorsement of Topuria over Tsarukyan adds a notable voice to the divisional conversation
- Ulberg's misplaced belt, however minor, keeps the City Kickboxing standout in the public eye ahead of any future contender bout
