Merab Dvalishvili Criticizes Arman Tsarukyan’s Tactics After RAF Match
Former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has expressed his disappointment with Arman Tsarukyan over a questionable wrestling bout between Tsarukyan and Urijah Faber. The match took place at a Real American Freestyle (RAF) event, where Tsarukyan’s approach drew criticism from several observers, including Dvalishvili.
The controversy has not only created a buzz among fans but has also affected potential non-UFC fights with Dvalishvili explicitly stating that he is not interested in a similar match with Tsarukyan.
Controversial Finish Raises Questions
Tsarukyan and Urijah Faber recently fought at the Russian Academy of Fight (RAF) in an unconventional match. The bout was ended when both grapplers left the mat, leading to a technical fall in favor of Tsarukyan.
Afterwards, Tsarukyan revealed that he deliberately took Faber outside the ring following verbal exchanges that took place before the bout. The decision earned him the victory, but also drew questions about his intentions. To many observers, including other boxers, the way the fight ended marred what was otherwise a competitive bout.
Dvalishvili Voices Disappointment
Speaking during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Dvalishvili did not hide his disappointment. He explained that he had been offered a potential grappling match against Tsarukyan but ultimately declined.
He stated in paraphrased remarks that the matchup did not make sense due to the size difference, as Tsarukyan competes two weight classes above him. More importantly, he expressed concern over Tsarukyan’s actions in the match against Faber.
Dvalishvili said that pushing a respected veteran off the mats was unnecessary and did not reflect the level of sportsmanship typically shown in such contests. Merab also highlighted Faber’s patience and professionalism after the match. He noted that the veteran handled the situation professionally despite the outcome.
Merab Show Respect to Faber
Dvalishvili was quite clear that his criticism was directed solely at Tsarukyan’s tactics rather than the event itself. He spoke highly of Faber, describing him as a respected figure in the sport and praising his attitude following the match. According to Dvalishvili, Faber’s reaction demonstrated professionalism and reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s most respected veterans.
He stated, “Arman should not have thrown him out like that. Urijah’s a very good man, great fighter, and I have even more respect for him for how he handled the situation afterwards…he was cool and respectful to me, he’s a great fighter and my neighbor from Armenia, born in Georgia…but it wasn’t necessary what he did to Urijah.”
Tsarukyan Staying Active Outside UFC
While waiting for his next UFC fight, Tsarukyan has remained active through appearances in RAF and other media engagements. Merab is currently unbooked but is widely seen as a potential title challenger depending on the result of future fights in the division. His involvement in alternative competitions has helped maintain visibility, though moments like the RAF incident have also drawn scrutiny.
For his part, Dvalishvili has not fought since losing his bantamweight title to Petr Yan. He is recovering from a broken nose and is due to return later this year. It is rumoured that he could face Yan in a trilogy fight if his recovery is successful.
An Ongoing Conversation
The incident raises a debate in combat sports regarding competition and ethics. While fighters often look for any advantage, moments like this can divide opinion within the community. In Mixed Martial Arts, getting an edge is part of the game, but these sorts of incidents usually get a lot of reactions from fans and fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan is getting better and better. Merab Dvalishvili is planning his comeback after his nose injury. Fans are still talking about Arman Tsarukyan and Merab Dvalishvili facing each other at the RAF.
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