Merab Dvalishvili shared his predictions and reflections in a recent statement. He believes Ilia Topuria will defeat Arman Tsarukyan, stating that Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down and will be knocked out when he tries to box with him. Dvalishvili also discussed his loss to Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan had prepared specifically for him and possessed a unique, tough fighting style. He revealed that Yan's body kicks were extremely painful, forcing him to press forward on strikes because he couldn't escape the pain. The post also mentions that Conor McGregor has paid compensation to Artem Lobov for his contribution to Proper Twelve whiskey, though the amount remains undisclosed, and that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Merab Dvalishvili spoke out recently on a range of topics, offering his take on the upcoming lightweight title picture, reflecting on his own defeat, and touching on a pair of loosely connected storylines involving Artem Lobov and Carlos Ulberg.
On the subject of Ilia Topuria versus Arman Tsarukyan, Dvalishvili was unambiguous in his support for Topuria. He argued that Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down and that if Tsarukyan opts to stand and trade, he will get knocked out. Topuria, the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the world, holds a 17-1 record and competes at lightweight where he is currently ranked second in the division. The 29-year-old Spaniard lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at a 48 percent accuracy rate, and his combination of striking and grappling — averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes — makes him a multidimensional threat.
Dvalishvili also revisited his loss to Petr Yan, speaking candidly about how difficult that fight was to navigate. He acknowledged that Yan had prepared specifically for his style and brought a uniquely tough approach to the contest. Dvalishvili noted that Yan's body kicks caused him severe pain, which forced him to press forward into strikes rather than move away, disrupting his usual game plan.
Elsewhere in his comments, Dvalishvili touched on two peripheral items. He mentioned that Conor McGregor has paid Artem Lobov — the 39-year-old Irish-based fighter who holds a 13-15-1 record — some form of compensation related to Lobov's contribution to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand, though the specific amount was not disclosed. He also noted that light heavyweight contender Carlos Ulberg, the 35-year-old New Zealander ranked third at 205 pounds with a 15-1 record, lost his belt at a party.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's Topuria endorsement adds another high-profile voice to the lightweight title conversation
- His Yan reflection offers a rare, honest breakdown of how a specific game plan can neutralize even elite fighters
- The Lobov-McGregor settlement, however modest in detail, closes a long-running dispute tied to one of combat sports' most commercially significant ventures
