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.
Merab Dvalishvili has revealed that he was offered a fight against Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 08 in Philadelphia but chose to turn it down, explaining the matchup did not make sense given the weight-class gap between them.
Dvalishvili, known as "The Machine," holds a 21-5 record and is ranked first in the bantamweight division and second in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, is one of the most relentless fighters in the sport, averaging 4.33 significant strikes per minute and an extraordinary 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the lightweight division, competes two weight classes above Dvalishvili — a gap Dvalishvili cited as the primary reason he declined. The 29-year-old Russian carries a 23-3 record and trains out of American Top Team, bringing a striking accuracy of 50 percent and 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute to his fights.
After initially weighing the offer, Dvalishvili said he felt vindicated in his decision after watching Tsarukyan compete at the event. Tsarukyan faced veteran Urijah Faber, the 47-year-old former title challenger who carries a 35-11 record. Dvalishvili was critical of Tsarukyan for throwing Faber out of the mat area during the bout, calling the action unnecessary. While acknowledging Tsarukyan's talent and contributions to the sport, Dvalishvili made clear he considered the conduct excessive.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili declining a cross-weight matchup underlines his focus on the bantamweight title picture, where he sits as the division's top-ranked contender.
- The two-division difference between bantamweight and lightweight makes a sanctioned bout between Dvalishvili and Tsarukyan unlikely in a standard competitive context.
- Tsarukyan's conduct at RAF 08 has drawn public criticism from a top-ranked peer, adding reputational stakes to his next appearance.
