Merab Dvalishvili stated that while he likes Arman Tsarukyan and thinks he is a wonderful fighter, Ilia Topuria will defeat him. Dvalishvili predicts Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down and will be knocked out when he tries to box with Ilia. Regarding his own loss to Petr Yan, Merab explained that Yan prepared specifically for him with a unique, tough style. Yan landed painful body kicks twice during their fight, with the second causing such intense pain that Merab had to press forward into strikes because he couldn't escape.
Bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will knock out Arman Tsarukyan, expressing confidence in his teammate despite his own admiration for the Armenian fighter.
Dvalishvili, 35, carries a 21-5 record and holds the number-one ranking at bantamweight out of Georgia's Serra-Longo Fight Team. Known as "The Machine," he averages a remarkable 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.33 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the division's most relentless pressers. He paused to offer perspective on Tsarukyan, describing him as a wonderful fighter he genuinely likes — before firmly predicting Topuria will get the better of him. Dvalishvili believes Tsarukyan will struggle to take Topuria down and will be knocked out if he attempts to exchange on the feet.
Those comments reflect well on Topuria's credentials. The 29-year-old Spaniard holds a 17-1 record and currently sits second in the lightweight rankings while holding the number-one pound-for-pound position. Standing five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach, "El Matador" lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy and also adds 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a multi-dimensional threat profile that Dvalishvili clearly respects.
Dvalishvili also addressed his own recent loss to Petr Yan, explaining that the bantamweight champion prepared a unique, tailored game plan specifically designed to neutralize him. Yan, 33, carries a 20-5 record and lands 5.12 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 54 percent accuracy while fighting out of a switch stance. Dvalishvili recalled that Yan landed damaging body kicks twice during their contest, with the second strike causing such severe pain that he was forced to press forward directly into punches simply because retreating was no longer an option.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's prediction adds narrative weight to the Topuria-Tsarukyan matchup given his insider perspective as Topuria's teammate
- His breakdown of the Yan loss provides rare candid insight into how a targeted game plan disrupted one of the sport's most relentless pressure fighters
- The comments reinforce Topuria's standing as the pound-for-pound number-one despite his move up to lightweight
