Arman Tsarukyan jokingly proposed a wrestling match against Merab Dvalishvili and claimed he could defeat him with a score of 10-7. The exchange began when Dvalishvili stated he would beat Tsarukyan in wrestling. When Tsarukyan asked about weight, both fighters confirmed they weigh approximately 70 kg. The playful callout highlights the competitive banter between the two fighters, though no actual wrestling match is scheduled. This appears to be a lighthearted social media interaction rather than a serious challenge.
Arman Tsarukyan and Merab Dvalishvili traded barbs on social media, with the lightweight contender jokingly issuing a wrestling challenge to the bantamweight star and boldly predicting a 10-7 scoreline in his favor.
The exchange was sparked by Dvalishvili, who opened the door by claiming he would beat Tsarukyan in a wrestling bout. Tsarukyan fired back with the callout, and after both men confirmed they walk around at approximately 70 kg, the playful back-and-forth took on a life of its own. No actual wrestling match is scheduled, and the interaction appears to be lighthearted social media banter rather than a serious proposition.
Dvalishvili, nicknamed "The Machine," holds a record of 21-5-0 and is ranked number one in the UFC bantamweight division and second in the pound-for-pound standings. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, has built his reputation largely on relentless grappling, averaging 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that underpins why he felt confident making the wrestling claim in the first place.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," enters the conversation as the number one contender at lightweight with a record of 23-3-0. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains at American Top Team, carries a five-foot-seven frame and a 72-inch reach. He averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes of his own, and his 50 percent striking accuracy reflects a well-rounded game that goes beyond pure grappling.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili is the top-ranked bantamweight; Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, making any crossover exchange between them naturally high-profile.
- Both fighters compete at the peak of their respective divisions, so their banter draws attention even without a real bout on the table.
- The exchange underscores that Tsarukyan, despite being primarily known as a striker, is confident enough in his wrestling credentials to challenge one of the sport's elite grapplers.
