Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili is not happy with how Arman Tsarukyan reacted to Ilia Topuria’s title loss. Topuria was dethroned by Justin Gaethje on June 14 at the White House.
While everyone had counted “The Highlight” out, come fight night, he delivered one of his best performances to date, and after four rounds, Topuria’s face was shattered to a point he could barely see due to the damage. Therefore, the 29-year-old’s corner was forced to throw in the towel and stop the bout.
Topuria suffered 2 broken orbitals and a busted-up nose after spending 20 minutes inside the octagon with Gaethje.
UFC Hall of Famer Wants Justin Gaethje to Retire, but “The Highlight” does not feel like it’s over. [Image via Getty]
After Topuria’s title loss, “Ahalkalakets” appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show, where he criticised the former’s game plan and preparations for the Gaethje title unification bout, adding that “El Matador” doesn’t train with elite fighters and instead chooses to train mainly with his brother Aleksandre and teammate Guram Kutateladze.
“Islam would’ve finished Ilia in the first round, choked him out.” Arman Tsarukyan believes Islam Makhachev would have submitted Ilia Topuria in the first round if they had fought yesterday.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 16, 2026
He said Topuria’s wrestling against Justin Gaethje wasn’t impressive and claimed that… pic.twitter.com/gredmpGkNs
He also mocked Topuria by calling him “Lord Farquaad”.
Arman Tsarukyan on Ilia Topuria being arrogant , not respecting his opponent skills by overlooking Justin Gaethje and using a route one game plan that ultimately cost him.
— Nofanboymma (@nofanboymma) June 15, 2026“He didn’t use his jab like he always use, (Ilia voice) “I go in there BREAK HIS JAW in the FIRST… pic.twitter.com/TZv2CGQfkR
Tsarukyan told Helwani that he believes Islam Makhachev can submit Topuria in Round 1 if they ever lock horns, and that he would like to inflict the same kind of damage on the Georgian-Spaniard, or even worse, if they ever lock horns.
Lastly, “Ahalkalakets” also suggested that the UFC will try to protect “El Matador,” and the latter, on his return bout, must fight the 40-year-old Michael Chandler, who’s on a 4-fight losing skid.
Arman Tsarukyan couldn’t stop laughing after bringing up Ilia Topuria’s loss
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 19, 2026
“Unfortunately Ilia lost. That was so sad.” pic.twitter.com/WRtTVHXb1W
Merab Dvalishvili does not like the way Arman Tsarukyan talks about Ilia Topuria
“The Machine” has defended his “warrior brother” Ilia Topuria after the White House slugfest. Merab Dvalishvili understands what it feels like to lose a title, especially after a hard-fought battle.
Proud of my warrior Brother ilia
— Merab “The Machine” Dvalishvili (@MerabDvalishvil) June 15, 2026.
I know he will come back stronger than ever. ამაყი ვარ ჩემი მეომარი ძმით.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the 35-year-old said that Arman Tsarukyan should never have mocked Ilia Topuria following his title loss to Justin Gaethje. Although the Georgian respects the Armenian, he has now made it clear that he clearly didn’t like the way “Ahalkalakets” has reacted to Topuria’s first MMA loss. Merab Dvalishvili said:
“Arman Tsarukyan is staying busy, and he’s doing his thing. Sport-wise, he’s really impressive. But I have to say this: when I see Arman Tsarukyan still talking trash about my brother, Ilia Topuria, especially after Ilia had such a great fight and showed an incredible performance, I think he deserves nothing but respect from everyone. I understand Arman wanted to fight him before and everything like that, but nobody should disrespect my brother, Ilia. As an athlete, I respect Arman Tsarukyan, but at the same time, I don’t like the way he talks, especially about someone who just went through a war in the octagon.”
Check out Merab Dvalishvili’s comments below:
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) June 26, 2026
Merab Dvalishvili did not like the way Arman Tsarukyan continued trash-talking Ilia Topuria after his war against Justin Gaethje.
"Arman Tsarukyan is staying busy, and he's doing his thing. Sport-wise, he's really impressive.
But I have to say this: when I see Arman… pic.twitter.com/5hlo0KtPh9
