Random fight: Merab Dvalishvili claims he almost faced Arman Tsarukyan outside of the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan is ranked first in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Merab Dvalishvili came very close to facing Arman Tsarukyan outside of the UFC. The Georgian, a former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), was sought after to replace an athlete at the last minute and face the Armenian in a grappling match. Despite competing two weight classes below his rival in MMA, Dvalishvili seriously considered accepting the challenge.

In an interview with 'MMA Pros Pick', Merab explained that he was informed of Tsarukyan's original opponent's withdrawal just days before the event and received an invitation to face him in a submission match in Armenia. Confident in his grappling credentials, the former champion believed his rival wouldn't be able to submit him. However, a new problem with his nose during training ultimately made the agreement impossible.

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“They told me that Arman’s opponent had withdrawn and that there were only a few days left… They asked if I would do grappling with Arman in Armenia, so I took it as a challenge and said, ‘there’s no chance he’ll beat me.’ I looked at the rules and saw that it was only by submission. I thought, ‘how is he going to submit me? There’s no chance.’ Then I went to train the next day, but my nose opened up again, and that’s why I didn’t accept. Otherwise, accepting this with only three days’ notice would have been a gangster attitude,” said Merab Dvalishvilli.

Arman Tsarukyan faced the UFC Pirate

Without Marab Dvalishvilli, Arman Tsarukyan ended up facing Shara Magomedov . Although the Russian is a striking specialist, he achieved a surprising result at 'Hype FC'. As there were no submissions in the fight during its six-minute duration, the UFC professionals finished in a draw.

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