Merab Dvalishvili shared his prediction that Ilia Topuria will defeat Arman Tsarukyan in their upcoming fight. Dvalishvili stated he likes Tsarukyan as a fighter but believes Topuria will knock him out when Tsarukyan attempts to box with him. He predicted Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria to the ground. Dvalishvili also reflected on his own fight with Petr Yan, acknowledging Yan's special preparation and painful body kicks. The post also briefly mentions that Conor McGregor settled with Artem Lobov over Proper Twelve compensation and that Carlos Ulberg lost his belt at a party.
Bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will stop Arman Tsarukyan by knockout in their upcoming lightweight showdown, warning that Tsarukyan will be unable to keep the fight on the feet or drag it to the ground on his own terms.
Dvalishvili, 35, holds a 21-5 record and sits ranked first in the bantamweight division, making him one of the most credible voices in the sport. The Georgian fighter, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, is known for a relentless wrestling-based attack that produces an elite 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. He said he respects Tsarukyan as a competitor but believes that the moment Tsarukyan tries to engage in a boxing exchange, Topuria will find his mark and finish the fight. He also expressed doubt that Tsarukyan will succeed in getting the bout to the mat.
Topuria, ranked second at lightweight and currently the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the AgentMMA rankings, carries a 17-1 record and trains out of Climent Club in Spain. The 29-year-old orthodox striker lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and his combination of sharp hands and active submission attempts — 1.1 per 15 minutes — makes him a genuine threat in any phase of a fight.
Dvalishvili also touched on his own recent outing against Petr Yan, acknowledging that Yan arrived with a sharp game plan and that his body kicks were a painful and effective element throughout the bout. Yan, the current bantamweight champion, holds a 20-5 record and connects at a 54 percent striking accuracy rate — among the highest in the division.
Why it matters
- Topuria vs. Tsarukyan carries significant lightweight title implications, with Topuria entering as the division's top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter
- Dvalishvili's wrestling expertise gives his assessment of Tsarukyan's grappling prospects added weight
- His candid reflection on the Yan fight signals what high-level striking and body work can do against even elite wrestlers
