Merab Dvalishvili offered his prediction for a potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. While Dvalishvili praised Tsarukyan as a wonderful fighter, he believes Topuria will win, predicting that Tsarukyan won't be able to take Topuria down and will be knocked out when he tries to box with him. Dvalishvili also reflected on his rematch with Petr Yan, stating that on that particular day he could have beaten everyone except Yan. He credited Yan's special style and preparation, noting that Yan's body kicks caused him significant pain during their fight, forcing him to pressure forward rather than retreat.
Bantamweight contender Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on a potential lightweight clash between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, predicting that Topuria will stop Tsarukyan by knockout.
Dvalishvili, 35, holds a 21-5 record and is ranked number one in the bantamweight division, sitting second in the pound-for-pound standings. The Georgian fighter, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, acknowledged Tsarukyan as a wonderful fighter but was clear in his assessment: Tsarukyan will be unable to take Topuria down, and if he chooses to box, he will be knocked out.
That assessment speaks to the credentials of Topuria, currently ranked second at lightweight and the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world at just 29 years old. The Spanish-Georgian standout carries a 17-1 record and lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes — a well-rounded threat the contender clearly respects.
Dvalishvili also reflected on his own recent rematch with bantamweight champion Petr Yan. He was candid in admitting that on that particular night he felt capable of beating anyone except Yan, crediting the Russian champion's unique style and preparation. Dvalishvili specifically pointed to Yan's body kicks as a significant factor, describing the pain they caused him and explaining that it forced him to press forward rather than create distance. Yan, 33, carries a 20-5 record and lands 5.12 significant strikes per minute at a sharp 54 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most precise offensive fighters.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's prediction adds public momentum to the narrative around a Topuria versus Tsarukyan lightweight title fight
- His candid breakdown of the Yan rematch offers rare insight into how Yan's body attack shaped the fight's dynamic
- Yan's champion status and Dvalishvili's number-one ranking keep both men at the center of the bantamweight division's near-term picture
