Ilia Topuria And Merab Dvalishvili Spar

“He’s just special. He’s just different, man. He’s so smart, he’s so organized. Even, he’s different than his brother [UFC fighter Aleksandre Topuria]. His brother also very talented, very good fighter, but Ilia, he’s sees things before [they happen]. He works for it, he has a plan, and he’s just doing it, man. I’ve sparred with him. He has great wrestling, great jiu-jitsu, and we all know that he hits [hard]. I can’t spar with him anymore, he hits too hard. … He dropped me two times from body shots. Thank God, my head is fine. Every time I finish sparring with him, I was happy and thank God, it’s over. He hits very good,” Merab said

While Merab is targeting a rematch with Yan, Ilia’s next steps are uncertain. The UFC has booked an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. The bout will take place at UFC 324 on January 24, as part of the UFC’s first card on Paramount+. Ilia is expected to face the winner, although there is a chance he vacates the belt or is stripped due to his current absence. Topuria has also mentioned the possibility of moving up to face the UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev.

“They’re so cocky and arrogant, I would really love to submit him in front of [Nurmagomedov], and if Khabib wants to step in afterward, I’ll gladly step on his head, too. I’ve always wanted that fight. I’ve always been ready for it. After I defend my title at 155, we’ll see. When you’re in the octagon with me, you’ll start to realize that I’m not Jack Della Maddalena, that I’m not Dan Hooker, I’m not all those packages you’ve fought before. I’m something very different. And when I land my right hand on you, you’re going to have a very, very long sleep,” Topuria said