The Ultimate Fighting Championship has, in recent years, witnessed the remarkable ascent of Georgian talent. Leading this charge are two formidable champions: Ilia Topuria, the newly crowned featherweight king, and Merab Dvalishvili, the relentless force dominating the bantamweight division. While both bask in the glory of gold, their paths, according to Topuria, should converge in a grand pursuit of dual-division supremacy.
Topuria, fresh off his spectacular knockout victory over long-reigning featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski, isn`t just planning his own future — which notably includes aspirations for a lightweight title. He`s also meticulously mapping out the career trajectory of his compatriot, Dvalishvili, suggesting a bold move that could etch both their names deeper into UFC history: a challenge for the featherweight strap.
The Featherweight Proposition: Topuria`s Unwavering Conviction
It seems the taste of victory has made Topuria quite the visionary. After dethroning Volkanovski with a precision strike, “El Matador” wasted little time making his intentions clear: he plans to ascend further, perhaps even to welterweight, in his quest for multiple belts. Yet, his gaze also falls squarely on Merab Dvalishvili, urging him to pursue a similar path.
Speaking in a recent interview, Topuria expressed absolute certainty regarding Dvalishvili`s potential at 145 pounds.
“I`ve already told Merab that he needs to change weight classes because he 100% has a chance to win a second belt. As for a fight against Volkanovski, I have no doubts on what happens in that fight. I know that it ends with Merab winning.”
This isn`t merely a friendly prediction; it`s a strategic endorsement from a fighter who just conquered the very division Dvalishvili would enter. Topuria`s confidence in “The Machine” is profound, seeing a clear path for Dvalishvili to replicate his own success, albeit against the man Topuria himself vanquished. One might almost detect a subtle, knowing grin from Topuria, envisioning a future where his fellow Georgian continues to dismantle the very division he once ruled, solidifying Georgia`s dominance.
Merab`s Bantamweight Fortress vs. The Allure of a Second Belt
Merab Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has been diligently constructing his own legacy in the bantamweight division. With a dominant win streak and a fourth title defense scheduled, he stands on the cusp of setting unprecedented records at 135 pounds. His focus, understandably, has been on cementing his reign, meticulously clearing out contenders with his relentless pace and suffocating grappling.
The prospect of moving up a weight class, especially when holding a divisional undisputed title, presents a unique dilemma. Does one solidify an unbreakable legacy in their current domain, or chase the rare and glittering prize of a second championship, testing the limits of their skill against larger, equally elite opponents? Topuria, having navigated this strategic landscape himself, clearly advocates for the latter. For a fighter like Dvalishvili, who has overcome significant hurdles to reach the pinnacle of his division, the question is not about ability, but about timing and ambition.
The Alexander Volkanovski Variable: A Stylistic Chess Match
The proposed opponent, Alexander Volkanovski, adds another layer of intrigue. A former pound-for-pound king, Volkanovski`s reign at featherweight was legendary, characterized by his tactical brilliance, incredible resilience, and well-rounded skill set. Despite his recent losses, particularly to Topuria, he remains one of the sport`s most respected and dangerous figures. A fight between Dvalishvili and Volkanovski would be a captivating clash of styles and wills, a true test of adaptability for both.
Tale of the Tape: The Numbers Don`t Lie, But They Don`t Tell the Whole Story
A superficial glance at the physical attributes of Dvalishvili and Volkanovski reveals surprising parity:
| Tale of the Tape | Merab Dvalishvili | Alexander Volkanovski |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 37 |
| Height | 5’6” | 5’6” |
| Reach | 68” | 71” |
| Record | 21-4 | 27-4 |
However, it`s in their fighting styles and statistical approaches within the Octagon that the true contrast, and potential conflict, emerges.
| UFC Stats (Per 15 Min) | Merab Dvalishvili | Alexander Volkanovski |
|---|---|---|
| Significant Strikes Landed | 4.33 | 6.18 |
| Significant Strikes Absorbed | 2.55 | 3.36 |
| Average Takedowns Landed | 6.40 | 1.67 |
| Takedown Defense (%) | 82% | 70% |
These numbers paint a clear picture: Dvalishvili`s suffocating, high-volume wrestling attack versus Volkanovski`s more measured, but highly effective, striking and robust defense. Dvalishvili`s relentless takedown attempts (an astounding 6.40 per 15 minutes!) are a testament to his “Machine” moniker. Yet, Volkanovski has historically demonstrated remarkable takedown defense, even against elite grapplers like Islam Makhachev in a higher weight class. The question remains: could Dvalishvili`s sheer volume and pressure eventually crack Volkanovski`s defensive shell at featherweight, or would Volkanovski`s technical striking and experience prove too much for the bantamweight king? It`s a classic grappling vs. striking puzzle, magnified by the stakes of a championship.
The Making of a Georgian Double Champion?
The vision Topuria paints is compelling. Imagine two Georgian UFC champions, not just holding gold in separate divisions, but one having actively pushed the other to achieve even greater heights. It speaks to a unique camaraderie and a shared ambition to elevate Georgian MMA on the global stage. For a country that has rapidly become a hotbed for elite fighters, this narrative could further cement its place in the sport`s history books.
While Merab Dvalishvili has yet to publicly embrace this particular challenge with the same fervor as Topuria, the seed has been planted. The pursuit of a second UFC title is a rare feat, reserved for a select few who dare to step beyond their established comfort zones. For Dvalishvili, it would mean navigating a slightly larger weight class and facing a strategic genius like Volkanovski. For the fans, it represents an absolutely enthralling contest, a true super fight that could redefine legacies and deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
Whether Dvalishvili heeds Topuria`s call remains to be seen. But the conversation alone underscores the exciting landscape of the UFC`s lighter divisions, where champions are not just fighting for their own glory, but perhaps, for the collective pride and an even greater legacy for a fighting nation.
Connor Westbrook 
Marcus Bellamy