Merab Dvalishvili disclosed that he was offered a fight with Arman Tsarukyan at the recent RAF 08 event in Philadelphia, but he declined the matchup. Dvalishvili explained that the fight did not make sense because Tsarukyan competes two weight classes above him. After initially considering the offer, Dvalishvili said he was relieved he turned it down after witnessing Tsarukyan's performance against Urijah Faber at the event. He criticized Tsarukyan for throwing Faber out of the mat area during their bout, calling the action unnecessary despite acknowledging Tsarukyan's skills and contributions to the sport.
