Imagine this: a fearless YouTuber, twice the size of his opponent, steps into the ring with $20,000 on the line. But here's the twist - the underdog, Arman Tsarukyan, is a grappling master, and he's about to show the world why.
Arman Tsarukyan, a UFC lightweight contender, recently faced off against a much larger opponent, the 6ft3 MMA Guru. With a $20k prize at stake, the odds were stacked against Tsarukyan, but his grappling skills were about to shine.
Tsarukyan, known for his exceptional takedown defense and grappling prowess, had already proven his mettle against former UFC and Bellator champions. So, when Adin Ross put up the money for a takedown, it was a bold move by the YouTuber.
Despite his size advantage, MMA Guru found himself repeatedly thrown to the ground by the agile Tsarukyan. The Armenian star effortlessly maintained his footing, leaving the YouTuber struggling to make an impact.
And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan's skills extend beyond the UFC. He's set to showcase his talents in Real American Freestyle, facing ex-PFL champion Lance Palmer. Additionally, talks are underway for a grappling match against Dustin Poirier in February.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite Tsarukyan's undeniable talent and status as a top contender, the UFC opted against granting him a title shot at the start of 2026. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje were chosen for UFC 324, leaving many fans and Tsarukyan himself questioning the decision.
Dana White, in an attempt to justify the choice, suggested that Tsarukyan's weigh-in headbutt incident in Qatar played a role. However, this theory has been disputed by Tsarukyan himself.
So, what do you think? Could a grappling match between Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan be a thrilling spectacle? Share your thoughts and join the debate!
Will Tsarukyan's grappling skills earn him the recognition he deserves, or will the UFC's decision-making continue to spark controversy? Let's discuss in the comments!
