Merab Dvalishvili disclosed that he was offered a fight against Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 8 in Philadelphia but turned it down. Dvalishvili explained that the matchup did not make sense because Tsarukyan competes two weight classes above him. He ultimately felt glad about his decision after witnessing what Tsarukyan did to Urijah Faber at the event. Dvalishvili expressed disappointment at how Tsarukyan threw Faber out of the mat area, saying there was no need for such actions despite respecting Tsarukyan as a fighter. The bantamweight champion emphasized his respect for what Faber has done for the sport.
Merab Dvalishvili has revealed he turned down a proposed fight against Arman Tsarukyan at RAF 8 in Philadelphia, and says he has no regrets about the decision after watching how the event unfolded.
Dvalishvili, the UFC bantamweight champion, carries a 21-5 record and sits at number two in the pound-for-pound rankings. The 35-year-old Georgian, who trains out of the Serra-Longo Fight Team, is a relentless pressure fighter who averages 6.4 takedowns per fifteen minutes — one of the highest rates in the sport — and lands 4.33 significant strikes per minute. His reasoning for declining the offer was straightforward: Tsarukyan competes at lightweight, two weight classes above bantamweight, and Dvalishvili felt the matchup simply did not make sense.
Tsarukyan, the top-ranked lightweight contender, holds a 23-3 record and represents a formidable opponent at any weight. The 29-year-old Russian fights out of American Top Team and brings a 50 percent striking accuracy mark alongside 3.26 takedowns per fifteen minutes. His performance against Urijah Faber at RAF 8 is what ultimately reinforced Dvalishvili's satisfaction with sitting the fight out.
Dvalishvili expressed disappointment at the manner in which Tsarukyan handled the post-fight moment with Faber, specifically taking issue with Tsarukyan throwing the veteran out of the mat area. He made clear he respects Tsarukyan as a competitor but felt the action was unnecessary. He also voiced admiration for what Faber has contributed to the sport over his career.
Faber, the 47-year-old American legend who competed under the Team Alpha Male banner with a 35-11 record, has long been one of MMA's most recognizable figures.
Why it matters
- Dvalishvili's public comments add friction to any potential future crossover or superfight conversation involving Tsarukyan
- The remarks highlight a broader conversation about conduct and sportsmanship at non-UFC events
- Faber's treatment at RAF 8 drew attention from multiple fighters, signaling reputational stakes for Tsarukyan ahead of a likely lightweight title push
