Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje are UFC lightweight champions. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Merab Dvalishvili didn't wait for the main event of UFC 324 to end before giving his verdict on the future of the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg). During the duel between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje , who faced each other for five rounds in the most anticipated fight of the card that opened the 2026 Ultimate season, valid for the interim belt, the Georgian already indicated that neither of them would have a real chance against Ilia Topuria in the next round.
In a video published on his YouTube channel, Merab assessed that, despite the intensity shown in the fight, both athletes lacked technical refinement, highlighting that Topuria's boxing level is far above that shown by Pimblett and Gaethje, which, according to the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg), should leave the undisputed champion quite comfortable against any of the possible challengers.
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“They are fighting with grit, but without technique. Ilia must be laughing now because his boxing is on a superior level,” said Merab Dvalishvili.
Justin Gaethje defeats Paddy Pimblett and is set to face Ilia Topuria for the UFC title.
Despite criticism regarding the technical level of the fight, at least in Merab Dvalishvili 's assessment , Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett put on a real war inside the octagon. Throughout 25 intense minutes, the Briton showed great resistance and refused to be knocked out, but was ultimately overcome by the volume and aggression of the American, who had his arm raised by unanimous decision of the judges.
With this result, the likely scenario is that Justin Gaethje will face Ilia Topuria in the next round, in a duel that should be for the UFC lightweight title.
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Read More about: Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, Merab Dvalishvilli, Paddy Pimblett, UFC 324
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