UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan recently competed in Dubai on Friday, though not in the familiar setting of the octagon. The Armenian fighter stepped into the Karate Combat pit for a grappling match, facing and defeating Makkasharip Zaynukov of Dagestan.
Tsarukyan initiated the action early, attempting a single-leg takedown near the pit corner, but Zaynukov successfully defended. Neither fighter managed to secure a takedown for the rest of the first round or throughout the second. Tsarukyan tried another single-leg late in the second round, which Zaynukov countered, but the UFC fighter quickly recovered to his feet.
The judges scored both rounds unanimously in favor of Tsarukyan, rendering a third round unnecessary. Tsarukyan was declared the winner via unanimous decision and subsequently apologized for the unexciting nature of the contest.
“I knew this fight was gonna be like this, boring,” Tsarukyan stated after his victory. “When two guys they know freestyle wrestling is difficult to takedown. If you bring MMA fighter versus jiu-jitsu guy is gonna be more ground game, you know? Sorry it was not too good for fans, but I hope you enjoyed it.”
He added, “I haven’t fought in one year and that’s why I came and wrestled today. My opponent was very hard guy. Nobody knows him a lot because he fights in Russia, but he’s from strong team and was tough.”
Following his win against an opponent from Islam Makhachev’s camp, Tsarukyan expressed a desire for more such challenges.
“Can’t wait for next one,” Tsarukyan said. “I need one more guy from Khabib’s team. Let’s do this again.”
The UFC has not yet announced Tsarukyan’s next bout within the promotion. He was originally scheduled to rematch Makhachev for the 155-pound championship in January but withdrew hours before the weigh-ins due to illness.
Tsarukyan holds a strong record within the UFC, having won nine of his 11 appearances. He is currently on a four-fight winning streak, with victories over notable opponents like Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Joaquim Silva, and Damir Ismagulov.
Zaynukov, his opponent, has won 11 of his last 12 MMA fights, most recently securing a decision win over Dedrek Sanders in his PFL debut last October, improving his overall MMA record to 16-4.
