Imagine facing a formidable opponent like Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling match, with a whopping $20,000 prize at stake. Could you manage to take him down?
Recently, YouTuber MMA Guru found himself in that very situation during a live stream alongside Adin Ross while engaging with the highly regarded UFC lightweight contender.
Currently, Tsarukyan is based in Florida, preparing for yet another challenge outside of the UFC. After achieving four consecutive grappling victories in 2025, he is set to step back onto the mats this Saturday to make his debut in Real American Freestyle. He will be competing against former PFL champion Lance Palmer, in an event headlined by Colby Covington going up against Luke Rockhold.
Looking ahead, Tsarukyan is also in discussions to grapple with Dustin Poirier, which could happen as early as February. However, on that particular Friday, Tsarukyan faced a different type of challenge altogether.
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How do you envision a grappling match between Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan unfolding? 🤼
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In his attempt to take down Arman Tsarukyan, MMA Guru came up short, missing out on the enticing $20,000 reward.
Tsarukyan, renowned for his exceptional grappling abilities, averages over three takedowns per fight in the UFC, paired with an impressive 75 percent defense against takedowns. His grappling prowess was notably displayed last November in Qatar, where he effortlessly took down and submitted Dan Hooker.
Despite his reputation, MMA Guru believed he might succeed in landing a takedown, particularly after Ross put up the enticing $20,000 on the line for the controversial YouTuber to score one against the top-ranked UFC lightweight. Given Tsarukyan’s previous victories against seasoned fighters like former UFC champion Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator titleholder Patricky Pitbull during a five-fight unbeaten streak last year, it was rather predictable that he would easily thwart MMA Guru’s attempts.
Even though the 6ft 3 MMA Guru had the advantage of size, he found himself repeatedly tossed to the ground by the UFC star, who adeptly remained on his feet throughout the match.
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Arman Tsarukyan’s recent actions may have inadvertently cost him a shot at the title. Despite being a top contender widely regarded as deserving of a title match, the UFC decided against granting him that opportunity as 2026 commenced. Instead, for UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will headline the event later this month, fighting for an interim lightweight championship. This matchup will occur in light of champion Ilia Topuria’s absence, with the winner expected to face Topuria later in the year.
This announcement sparked outrage among many fans, including Tsarukyan, who feel that Pimblett does not deserve the title shot. Dana White recently tried to justify this decision, suggesting that Tsarukyan’s weigh-in headbutt incident during the fight against Hooker in Qatar played a role in their choice.
