Arman Tsarukyan blasts Merab Dvalishvili after backstage altercation

Arman Tsarukyan has publicly slammed Merab Dvalishvili after the two were involved in a backstage altercation at a recent UFC event. The Armenian lightweight star took to social media to call out Dvalishvili’s conduct, reigniting their heated rivalry just months after their last collision inside the cage.

Tsarukyan posted a video on social media showing Dvalishvili confronting him backstage. In the clip, Dvalishvili appears to approach Tsarukyan aggressively before security intervenes. The Armenian fighter later shared his take on the incident, labeling Dvalishvili’s behavior as unsportsmanlike and unprofessional.

Tsarukyan’s post drew immediate attention, racking up hundreds of thousands of views within hours. Fans and pundits quickly dissected the footage, debating who instigated the confrontation. The video ends before the full context becomes clear, leaving many questions unanswered.

This isn’t the first time the two have clashed. Their rivalry dates back to their first meeting at UFC 294 in October 2024, where Tsarukyan won by split decision. Dvalishvili has since called for a rematch, but Tsarukyan has resisted, citing personal reasons. The latest altercation only deepens the bad blood between them.

For Tsarukyan, the timing stings. He’s on a four-fight winning streak and chasing a title shot in the lightweight division. Any distraction-especially one tied to Dvalishvili-risks derailing his momentum ahead of his next bout.

The UFC has yet to comment on the incident. Typically, the promotion reviews altercations post-event, but no timeline has been shared. Tsarukyan’s next fight remains unannounced, though rumors point to a potential title eliminator later this year.

Dvalishvili, meanwhile, has stayed quiet publicly. His last outing ended in a decision loss to Islam Makhachev in April 2025, leaving his path to another title shot unclear. The backstage clash only complicates his push for a rematch with Tsarukyan.

Fans are already speculating about a potential trilogy fight. If the UFC greenlights it, this feud could headline a pay-per-view before the year ends. Until then, both fighters will likely trade barbs on social media, keeping the rivalry alive in the public eye.