Arman Tsarukyan delivered a powerful statement outside the UFC octagon, submitting former flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev with a rear naked choke in a grappling match on Wednesday. The bout served as the main event of a Hype Brazil card, where Tsarukyan's natural lightweight size advantage proved decisive in wearing down Mokaev before finishing him in the eighth minute.
UFC Title Shot Frustrations Continue
This victory comes amidst growing fan frustration over Tsarukyan's continued exclusion from UFC lightweight title contention. Last week, the promotion announced that champion Ilia Topuria will defend his belt against interim titleholder Justin Gaethje at a White House event on 14 June. Many had expected Tsarukyan to feature in January's interim-title fight, but instead Gaethje faced Paddy Pimblett, securing a dominant decision victory.
Historical Context of Tsarukyan's UFC Journey
The Armenian fighter, aged 29, was previously scheduled for a title shot in January 2025 against Islam Makhachev but withdrew at the last minute citing a back injury. Makhachev went on to submit replacement opponent Renato Moicano before vacating the lightweight title in May 2025 and capturing welterweight gold later that year.
Topuria subsequently knocked out Charles Oliveira in June 2025 to claim the vacant lightweight championship, while Tsarukyan reinforced his number one contender status with a submission victory over Dan Hooker in November. Despite these credentials, the UFC has repeatedly overlooked him for championship opportunities.
Dana White's Candid Assessment
UFC president Dana White has suggested that Tsarukyan's withdrawal against Makhachev has negatively impacted his standing within the organization. Additionally, White referenced a post-fight brawl following Tsarukyan's grappling match against Georgio Poullas on 28 February, where Tsarukyan punched his opponent after the contest concluded.
"We'll get Arman figured out. I'm not thrilled with Arman right now, and there's a lot of different reasons; it's not just the things that you see publicly," White stated. "Where there's smoke, there's fire, and Arman's been smoking a lot recently."
White also addressed the Poullas incident directly: "Yeah, I don't love it, I don't love it, but that night, it was somebody else's problem – not mine. That's all I've got to say about that."
Grappling Success Outside the UFC
Since his narrow UFC victory over Charles Oliveira in April 2024, Tsarukyan has competed in eight grappling matches, achieving an impressive record of seven wins and one draw against UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov. This consistent performance in alternative combat sports venues highlights his skills while he awaits his UFC championship opportunity.
The ongoing situation leaves Tsarukyan in a peculiar position – dominating opponents outside the UFC while being passed over for title shots within the promotion. As Gaethje prepares for his third attempt at undisputed lightweight gold, having previously lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan's future remains uncertain despite his proven capabilities and top ranking.
