Merab Dvalishvili shared his prediction that Ilia Topuria will defeat Arman Tsarukyan, stating that Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when he tries to box with him. Dvalishvili also reflected on his fight with Petr Yan, saying Yan was the only one who could have beaten him that day because Yan truly prepared for him and has a special, tough style. He described receiving painful body kicks from Yan during their fight, with one kick being so painful he had to press forward because he couldn't escape. Additionally, the post mentions that Conor McGregor has compensated Artem Lobov for his unpaid contribution to creating Proper Twelve, with Lobov reportedly satisfied with the undisclosed amount. The post also notes that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will stop Arman Tsarukyan, arguing that Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when he attempts to engage in a boxing exchange.
Topuria, 29, carries a 17-1 record and currently holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking. The Spanish-Georgian fighter competes at lightweight, where he is ranked second in the division. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate and adds nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat on both feet and on the mat.
In the same interview, Dvalishvili reflected on his own recent experience against Petr Yan, crediting Yan as the only fighter who could have beaten him that night. He described Yan's preparation as exceptional and his style as uniquely tough, singling out body kicks that were so painful during the fight that moving forward was the only way to survive them.
The interview also touched on a long-running financial dispute in combat sports circles. Artem Lobov, 39, has reportedly been compensated by Conor McGregor for his unpaid role in building the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. The amount was not disclosed, but Lobov is said to be satisfied with the settlement.
Separately, light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg reportedly lost his belt at a party. The 35-year-old New Zealander holds a 15-1 record and is ranked third at 205 pounds, where he averages a division-topping 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's prediction adds public narrative pressure to the Topuria-Tsarukyan matchup, one of the most anticipated lightweight contests available
- His candid assessment of Yan offers rare insight into how elite fighters process close, competitive losses
- The Lobov-McGregor settlement closes a chapter on one of MMA's most publicized business disputes
