Merab Dvalishvili shared his prediction that Ilia Topuria will defeat Arman Tsarukyan, stating that Tsarukyan will not be able to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when he tries to box with him. Merab also reflected on his fight with Petr Yan, saying he could have beaten anyone that day except Yan, who had specifically prepared for him with a unique and tough style. He recalled being hit with painful body kicks twice during that fight, managing to escape the first time with 25 seconds left but having to push forward through strikes the second time because the pain was too severe to run away. Additionally, the post mentioned that Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov for his unpaid contribution to Proper Twelve, with Lobov satisfied with the undisclosed amount, and that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will knock out Arman Tsarukyan in their anticipated lightweight showdown, arguing that Tsarukyan will be unable to secure a takedown and will be finished when he attempts to trade on the feet.
Topuria, currently ranked second in the lightweight division and the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, carries a 17-1 record and has built a reputation as one of MMA's most dangerous strikers. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and Dvalishvili's assessment leans heavily on that finishing power, suggesting Tsarukyan's boxing approach will prove costly against someone of Topuria's caliber.
Dvalishvili also opened up about his own experience against Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan had prepared specifically for him with a uniquely difficult style. He described taking two damaging body kicks during the bout, escaping the first with seconds remaining in a round but being forced to walk through punishment the second time because the pain left him with no other option.
In separate news, Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov over Lobov's unpaid contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov, the 39-year-old Irish fighter with a 13-15-1 professional record, has confirmed he is satisfied with the undisclosed settlement figure.
Finally, light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg, ranked third at 205 pounds with an impressive 15-1 record, reportedly lost his belt at a party. The New Zealand-based City Kickboxing product, who lands a remarkable 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, had no further details confirmed beyond the incident.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's Topuria prediction adds narrative weight to one of lightweight's most anticipated matchups
- His candid Yan reflection offers rare insight into how elite fighters experience in-fight adversity
- The McGregor-Lobov settlement closes a long-running financial dispute tied to one of MMA's most prominent business ventures
