Merab Dvalishvili has weighed in on the prospect of Arman Tsarukyan challenging Ilia Topuria, and his assessment is not in Tsarukyan's favor.
Speaking on Demetrious Johnson's MIGHTYCast podcast, Dvalishvili offered a candid stylistic breakdown of why he believes Topuria would defeat Tsarukyan if the two were to meet for the lightweight title, despite his respect for the Armenian contender.
"I respect Arman Tsarukyan. He is a great athlete, a great fighter. But I think since Ilia is the champion in this weight class, even if Arman fights Ilia, Ilia stylistically beats Arman," Dvalishvili said. "You can't take Ilia down; it doesn't even make sense to wrestle with him. Then Arman has to box with Ilia, too, and Ilia will knock out Arman Tsarukyan. That is my honest answer."
The comments carry weight given Dvalishvili's familiarity with both men through his work at City Kickboxing, the gym that has also housed Topuria's training partner and ally Carlos Ulberg. Dvalishvili's logic centers on Topuria's wrestling defense being strong enough to neutralize Tsarukyan's primary weapon, forcing a standup exchange that Dvalishvili believes Topuria would win by knockout.
Tsarukyan has been vocal about his frustration with the title picture, accusing Topuria of avoiding him after Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje were selected for an interim lightweight title fight at UFC 311 in January instead. The Georgian-born Armenian contender has won five consecutive fights, including a victory over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, making him widely regarded as the most dangerous challenger in the division.
Most fans are hoping to see Tsarukyan given the next shot at whoever wins the Topuria and Gaethje bout at the UFC White House card. Dvalishvili's prediction suggests that shot, if it comes, would end in Tsarukyan's defeat.
On the bantamweight side, Dvalishvili is focused on his own title redemption. He is expecting an immediate trilogy fight with Petr Yan after the Russian ended his championship reign last December, with the UFC said to have assured him that bout is next.
