Merab Dvalishvili revealed he was offered a fight with Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 8 in Philadelphia but declined. Dvalishvili explained the matchup did not make sense because Tsarukyan competes two weight classes above him. He expressed relief at turning down the fight after witnessing Tsarukyan's actions against Urijah Faber at the event, specifically criticizing Tsarukyan for unnecessarily throwing Faber outside the mat area. Dvalishvili acknowledged Faber's contributions to the sport and called Tsarukyan's conduct disappointing despite recognizing him as a good fighter.
