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.
Merab Dvalishvili has revealed he turned down an offer to fight Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 8 in Philadelphia, stating the matchup made no logical sense given the two men compete in different weight classes.
Dvalishvili, ranked first in the bantamweight division and second in the pound-for-pound standings, carries a 21-5 record and is one of the most relentless wrestlers in the sport. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of Serra-Longo Fight Team, averages an extraordinary 6.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 4.33 significant strikes per minute. His reasoning for declining was straightforward: Tsarukyan competes at lightweight, two divisions above him.
Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender, holds a 23-3 record and presents a formidable physical profile. The 29-year-old from Russia trains at American Top Team and brings a 72-inch reach along with a striking accuracy of 50 percent, landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute. The size and weight disparity between the two fighters underscored Dvalishvili's decision to walk away from the offer.
Beyond the competitive logic, Dvalishvili expressed relief at having declined after watching Tsarukyan's conduct at the event. He criticized Tsarukyan for unnecessarily throwing Urijah Faber outside the mat area, calling the behavior disappointing even while acknowledging Tsarukyan's ability as a fighter. Dvalishvili spoke positively of Faber, recognizing the 47-year-old veteran's lasting contributions to mixed martial arts. Faber, a former WEC bantamweight champion who compiled a 35-11 record across his career, has long been regarded as one of the sport's foundational figures.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's refusal highlights the unusual nature of a cross-divisional matchup at a non-UFC event
- The incident involving Faber adds a conduct dimension to Tsarukyan's public profile at a critical point in his lightweight title pursuit
- Dvalishvili remains focused on the bantamweight division, where he holds the top contender ranking
