Ilia Topuria: “Life is full of twists and turns”


UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria recently reacted to Merab Dvalishvili’s undefeated streak ending at UFC 323 with a loss to Petr Yan. The Russian fighter executed a precise and disciplined game plan targeting the body and using his sharp boxing.

Dvalishvili’s decision to trade strikes instead of sticking to his brand of fighting proved costly. Additionally, physical fatigue and a demanding fight schedule may have also contributed to the outcome.

Topuria reacted to Dvalishvili’s loss via Instagram stories, writing:

“Brother, life is full of twists and turns, but to us, you will always be the best. You will come back much stronger.”

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Take a look Ilia Topuriathe post below:

Ilia Topuria reacts to the loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. (Screenshot courtesy: @iliatopuria on Instagram)Ilia Topuria reacts to the loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. (Screenshot courtesy: @iliatopuria on Instagram)
Ilia Topuria reacts to the loss to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. (Screenshot courtesy: @iliatopuria on Instagram)

Dvalishvili’s bond with Topuria is rooted in their shared Georgian heritage and they have trained together in the past. Currently ‘El Matador’ is taking some time away from the sport to deal with personal issues outside the octagon. He is expected to return to action in 2026 to fight the winner of Justin slave against Paddy Pimblett.

As for the loss, Dvalishvili responded professionally praising Yan’s dominance in the cage and promising to come back stronger.

Petr Yan shuts down talks on Merab Dvalishvili’s immediate return after UFC 323

Petr Yan is enjoying the view from above but has little interest in giving Merab Dvalishvili an immediate rematch.

Fresh off reclaiming the bantamweight title at UFC 323, Yan made it clear that history alone will not dictate his next defense. He pointed to his career path after missing out on gold, where multiple wins were required before securing another shot at the title.

Yan also floated other contenders as viable options. Speaking at Post-UFC 323 press conferencesaid:

“I think Merab should really get in the jacuzzi, think about it, and then we’ll see… You saw Merab’s fight against Umar (Nurmagomedov). You saw how the fight went. So who’s more dangerous? They can rematch and then we can see what happens.”

He added:

“Understand the fact that in order to get a chance to fight for the belt again, the UFC made me go three more fights before I could get back into the position of contender.”