Imagine facing off against a seasoned MMA fighter like Arman Tsarukyan, who stands at 5 feet 7 inches, while you're towering at 6 feet 3 inches. Now, add a tantalizing prize of $20,000 to the mix. Sounds intriguing, right? This was precisely the challenge that YouTuber MMA Guru encountered during a live stream with popular streamer Adin Ross, alongside the highly skilled UFC lightweight contender.
Currently, Tsarukyan is stationed in Florida, preparing for his next venture in the world of combat sports, which intriguingly falls outside the confines of the UFC. After achieving four grappling victories in 2025, he is scheduled to return to the mats this Saturday. In a highly anticipated match, Tsarukyan will be making his debut in Real American Freestyle, where he’s set to face off against former PFL champion Lance Palmer. This event is particularly exciting as it is headlined by a clash between Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold.
Looking ahead, Tsarukyan is also in discussions about a potential grappling matchup against Dustin Poirier, which is slated for February. But before any of that happens, the Armenian fighter faced a very different kind of opponent on Friday.
In a surprising turn of events, MMA Guru, despite his significant height advantage, struggled to secure a takedown against Tsarukyan for the hefty reward. Known for his exceptional grappling skills, Tsarukyan boasts an impressive average of over three takedowns per fight in the UFC, complemented by a robust takedown defense rate of 75 percent.
His grappling prowess was vividly showcased last November in Qatar, where he effortlessly took down and submitted Dan Hooker, further solidifying his reputation in the sport. Yet, MMA Guru, encouraged by Ross’s offer of $20,000, believed he might have a shot at taking down the highly-ranked UFC lightweight, despite Tsarukyan’s proven track record against formidable opponents, including former UFC champion Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator titleholder Patricky Pitbull.
The grappling session turned out to be quite one-sided, with Tsarukyan easily fending off the attempts made by the much larger MMA Guru, repeatedly throwing him to the ground while maintaining his balance and composure throughout the exchange.
Adding another layer of complexity to Tsarukyan’s journey, it's worth noting that despite being regarded as a top contender and a deserving candidate for a title shot, the UFC chose not to grant him that opportunity at the onset of 2026. Instead, the focus shifted to Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, who are set to headline UFC 324 later this month, competing for an interim lightweight championship in the absence of reigning champion Ilia Topuria. This decision stirred frustration among fans, many of whom echoed Tsarukyan's sentiments regarding Pimblett's qualifications for a title challenge.
Dana White, the UFC president, attempted to provide some justification for the decision, suggesting that Tsarukyan’s actions during the weigh-in, which involved a headbutt towards Hooker, may have influenced the UFC's stance.
What do you think would happen in a grappling match between seasoned fighters like Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan? 🤼 Join the conversation and share your thoughts! Use the comment section below to let us know your perspective.
