The grappling clash between Muhammad Mokaev and Arman Tsarukyan delivered a harsh lesson in size and weight advantages.
In the highly discussed Mokaev vs Tsarukyan matchup, Mokaev stepped up two weight classes on short notice but ultimately paid the price after Tsarukyan secured a rear-naked choke that rendered him unconscious.
The Brave CF flyweight champion accepted the bout on just a few days’ notice after Tsarukyan’s scheduled opponent was moved to another event. Despite the massive size difference, Mokaev agreed to keep the lightweight star active on the card in Brazil.
For the first several minutes, Mokaev relied heavily on his defensive grappling. However, the physical gap eventually became too much to overcome.
During the Mokaev vs Tsarukyan contest, Tsarukyan used relentless pressure and clear physical advantages to dominate the exchanges. The UFC lightweight controlled the pace and continuously hunted for submissions.
Mokaev showed his trademark toughness and refused to tap even when caught in a tight rear-naked choke. Instead, Tsarukyan squeezed until the flyweight standout lost consciousness.
The result gave Tsarukyan another victory in his growing list of grappling appearances outside the UFC.
Despite the difficult result, Mokaev appeared to take the experience in stride afterward. The undefeated MMA fighter admitted the size gap was simply too much and made it clear he will not repeat the experiment.
“Back to flyweight,” Mokaev wrote on X with laughing emojis. “Never give away 25kg anymore.”
While the number may have been exaggerated, the difference between the two fighters was obvious. Tsarukyan typically competes at 155 pounds, while Mokaev’s natural division sits at 125 pounds.
Still, Mokaev refused to make excuses for the defeat.
“Zero excuses,” he added in another post. “If I get another opportunity like this in my life, I will take it again and again.”
“I competed against one of the best lightweights on two days’ notice, 45lb difference. Win or learn. Go out there and challenge yourself. That’s the message to all youth. See you at the top!”
Following the bout, Tsarukyan praised his opponent but acknowledged that he wants tougher challenges moving forward.
The UFC lightweight expressed interest in facing Charles Oliveira again after their razor-close encounter at UFC 300. He also mentioned the possibility of grappling against Dillon Danis.
Tsarukyan has stayed extremely active outside the UFC cage, competing in multiple submission grappling matches over the past year while waiting for his next major opportunity in the promotion.
For Mokaev, however, the takeaway from Mokaev vs Tsarukyan is clear. The flyweight star plans to return to his natural weight class and continue building his unbeaten MMA career where he belongs.
