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Merab Dvalishvili: Arman Tsarukyan wouldn't threaten Ilia Topuria very much
TL;DR
Merab Dvalishvili believes Arman Tsarukyan won't pose much of a threat to UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Dvalishvili argues that Topuria's fighting style and skills would lead to a knockout victory over Tsarukyan.
Key points
- Merab Dvalishvili doubts Arman Tsarukyan's chances against Ilia Topuria.
- Topuria is the current UFC lightweight champion.
- Justin Gaethje will fight Topuria for the title on June 14.
Merab DvalishviliArman TsarukyanIlia TopuriaJustin Gaethje
Merab Dvalishvili doesn't see Arman Tsarukyan having any success against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was snubbed out of the title picture when the promotion opted to pit Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett against each other for the interim belt at UFC 324, with the winner expected to face Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC).
Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) defeated Pimblett), and will now fight Topuria in a title-unification bout, which headlines UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House. Many view Tsarukyan as Topuria's biggest threat at 155 pounds, but Dvalishvili believes Topuria would add another knockout to his resume.
"I respect Arman Tsarukyan, too. He is a great athlete, a great fighter," Dvalishvili told Demetrious Johnson. "But since Ilia is the champion in this weight class, even if Arman fights Ilia, Ilia stylistically beats Arman. 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 then Ilia will knock out Arman Tsarukyan."
Topuria is on an impressive knockout streak after taking out Alexander Volkanovski, and . He is a big favorite to retain his belt against Gaethje.
Q&A
Why does Merab Dvalishvili think Arman Tsarukyan can't beat Ilia Topuria?
Dvalishvili believes that Topuria's fighting style would allow him to defeat Tsarukyan, stating that Tsarukyan cannot take Topuria down and would struggle in a boxing match.
What is the fight schedule for Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria?
Justin Gaethje will face Ilia Topuria in a title-unification bout at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House.
What are Arman Tsarukyan's current MMA and UFC records?
Arman Tsarukyan has a professional MMA record of 23 wins and 3 losses, with a UFC record of 10 wins and 2 losses.
