Arman Tsarukyan may still be chasing UFC gold, but he isn’t sitting idle while the lightweight title picture plays out. With an interim belt fight booked for UFC 324 and his own path momentarily stalled, Tsarukyan chose action over frustration, stepping into a high-stakes grappling match to stay sharp.
The No. 1-ranked lightweight contender returned to competition on December 30, headlining a Hype FC grappling event in Yerevan, Armenia. Standing across from him was Shara Magomedov, a dangerous UFC middleweight with no interest in backing down, and the tension between both men was clear long before they hit the mat.
Magomedov countered Tsarukyan’s opening takedown attempt and briefly threatened to take his back. Tsarukyan reset, pressed forward, and spent several minutes grinding against the ropes as Magomedov focused on defense. That approach worked, until it didn’t.
Tsarukyan eventually muscled through the size disadvantage, hoisting Magomedov into the air and slamming him to the canvas to secure one of multiple takedowns during the six-minute, submission-only round. From there, Tsarukyan dictated most of the exchanges, forcing Magomedov into survival mode.
Despite Tsarukyan’s clear control and offensive pressure, the bout ended without a declared winner due to the submission-only format.
The rivalry added extra spice thanks to a pre-fight wager. If Magomedov won, Tsarukyan would buy him an apartment in Armenia. If Tsarukyan won, he wanted a Rolex from the middleweight striker. With no official winner, the bet now sits in limbo unresolved, just like Tsarukyan’s title situation.
The grappling showcase marked Tsarukyan’s fifth non-MMA competition of 2025. Earlier this year, he logged wins over Mehdi Baydulaev, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull, and Makkasharip Zaynukov, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most complete lightweights in the sport.
Tsarukyan remains on standby for January 24, ready to step in if needed. Until then, he continues to do what contenders are supposed to do. The belt may be on hold, but Tsarukyan clearly isn’t.
