Merab Dvalishvili shared his prediction for the potential Ilia Topuria vs Arman Tsarukyan matchup, stating that Topuria will knock out the challenger. Dvalishvili claimed that while he likes Tsarukyan as a fighter, Arman won't be able to take Ilia down and will get knocked out when he tries to box with him. In the same interview, Dvalishvili reflected on his fight with Petr Yan, saying Yan was the only opponent he couldn't have beaten that night due to his special preparation and style. He described painful body kicks from Yan that forced him to pressure forward rather than retreat. Additionally, the post notes that Conor McGregor settled his financial dispute with Artem Lobov over Proper Twelve whiskey, though the compensation amount remains undisclosed.
Merab Dvalishvili has gone on record predicting that Ilia Topuria will knock out Arman Tsarukyan if the two lightweights ever share the cage, offering a strong endorsement of his teammate's finishing power.
Dvalishvili, the number-one ranked bantamweight contender out of Georgia, holds a 21-5 record and trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team. The 35-year-old is one of the most relentless wrestlers in the UFC, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. Speaking in a recent interview, he said that while he respects Tsarukyan as a fighter, he does not believe Tsarukyan will be able to take Topuria down — and that any attempt to trade punches will end badly for the challenger.
Topuria, ranked number two at lightweight and currently the top pound-for-pound fighter on the roster, carries a 17-1 record and operates out of Spain under the Climent Club banner. The 29-year-old orthodox striker lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and his knockout power has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
In the same interview, Dvalishvili reflected on his past loss to Petr Yan, describing it as a uniquely difficult night. He acknowledged that Yan's special preparation and distinctive style made him the one opponent he felt he could not have beaten on that occasion. Painful body kicks from the Russian bantamweight champion, who lands 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 54 percent accuracy, forced Dvalishvili to press forward rather than create the distance he prefers.
Separately, the interview touched on the news that Conor McGregor has settled a financial dispute with Artem Lobov relating to the Proper Twelve whiskey brand. The terms of the settlement and the compensation figure have not been disclosed.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's comments add public pressure to a potential Topuria vs. Tsarukyan title fight at lightweight
- His rare candor about the Yan loss offers insight into one of the few tactical puzzles that slowed his momentum
- The McGregor-Lobov settlement closes a long-running legal dispute, though the financial details remain private
