Merab Dvalishvili has made several statements about upcoming and past fights. He believes Ilia Topuria will defeat Arman Tsarukyan, predicting that Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down and will get knocked out when he tries to box with him. Reflecting on his own loss to Petr Yan, Merab acknowledged Yan prepared specifically for him and had a unique, tough style. He particularly recalled painful body kicks from Yan, noting one with 25 seconds left that made him run away, and another even more painful strike that forced him to press forward because he couldn't escape. The post also mentions that Conor McGregor has compensated Artem Lobov for his contribution to Proper Twelve, though the amount remains undisclosed, and that Lobov is satisfied with the settlement.
Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on the lightweight title picture while also opening up about a painful chapter from his own career, offering candid assessments of both Ilia Topuria's upcoming challenge and the defeat that remains fresh in his memory.
The Georgian wrestler, ranked first in the bantamweight division with a record of 21-5-0, shared his belief that Topuria will finish Arman Tsarukyan when the two meet. Dvalishvili argued that Tsarukyan will struggle to take Topuria down and that, if he chooses to stand and box, he will get knocked out. The 35-year-old is one of the more relentless fighters on the roster, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute throughout his career.
The man Dvalishvili predicts will win that fight, Ilia Topuria, carries a 17-1-0 record and currently sits as the second-ranked lightweight and the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. The 29-year-old Spanish standout lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also averages nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes, giving him a well-rounded game that Dvalishvili clearly respects.
Dvalishvili also reflected on his loss to Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan had prepared specifically for his style and presented a uniquely difficult puzzle. He recalled suffering severe body kicks late in the fight, describing one landed with 25 seconds remaining that caused him to retreat, and another that was so damaging it forced him to press forward simply because he had no other option.
Separately, Artem Lobov, the 39-year-old Irish-based fighter who carries a career record of 13-15-1, has reportedly reached a financial settlement with Conor McGregor over his contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. Lobov is said to be satisfied with the agreement, though the specific amount has not been disclosed.
