Imagine stepping into the ring with a UFC lightweight contender, twice your size, with $20,000 on the line. Sounds insane, right? But that's exactly what MMA YouTuber MMA Guru attempted recently, going head-to-head with the formidable Arman Tsarukyan. And this is the part most people miss: despite the size difference, Tsarukyan, known for his grappling prowess, effortlessly dominated the match, leaving the YouTuber in the dust.
Here’s the full story: Arman Tsarukyan, the Armenian grappling phenom, recently faced off against MMA Guru during a livestream with Adin Ross. With a $20,000 prize dangling in the air, the YouTuber thought he stood a chance against the UFC star. But here’s where it gets controversial: Tsarukyan, standing at a significant height disadvantage, not only defended against MMA Guru’s attempts but also repeatedly took him down, showcasing why he’s a top contender in the UFC.
Tsarukyan’s grappling credentials are no joke. Averaging over three takedowns per fight in the UFC and boasting a 75% takedown defense rate, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Last November, he effortlessly took down and submitted Dan Hooker in Qatar, solidifying his reputation. And let’s not forget his unbeaten grappling streak last year, where he defeated former champions like Benson Henderson and Patricky Pitbull.
But the real question is: Could anyone have taken Tsarukyan down that day? MMA Guru certainly thought so, but the reality was a humbling lesson in skill over size.
Looking ahead, Tsarukyan’s schedule is packed. He’s set to debut in Real American Freestyle this Saturday, facing ex-PFL champion Lance Palmer on a card headlined by Colby Covington vs. Luke Rockhold. Beyond that, talks are underway for a grappling match against Dustin Poirier in February. But here’s the kicker: How would a Tsarukyan vs. Poirier match play out? 🤼
And this is where it gets even more intriguing. Despite his undeniable talent, Tsarukyan was controversially denied a UFC title shot at the start of 2026. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will headline UFC 324 for an interim lightweight belt, leaving fans and Tsarukyan himself questioning the decision. Dana White cited Tsarukyan’s weigh-in headbutt against Hooker as a contributing factor, but many fans remain unconvinced.
Is the UFC making a mistake by overlooking Tsarukyan? Or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Join the debate—share your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re at it, don’t miss out on the latest MMA news, like Bo Nickal’s team revealing the UFC’s costly mistake that led to his first loss.
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