High-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan had his sights set on competing for a UFC championship following his impressive win over Charles Oliveira in April 2024. However, his removal from a scheduled title bout against then-champion Islam Makhachev in January resulted in him dropping down the contender list.
Tsarukyan remains active in the grappling scene. Earlier this month, he defeated Makkasharip Zaynukov in what was described as a “boring” match. His next challenge is against Patricky Pitbull at ADXC in Russia. Pitbull views this opportunity as a way to significantly boost his own mixed martial arts career.
The main event of ADXC 10 in Moscow on May 31 features Pitbull versus Tsarukyan. This catchweight bout is set for 176 pounds over five three-minute rounds. Patricky, a former Bellator champion, believes a decisive victory over a high-profile UFC competitor like Tsarukyan could very well lead to an offer from the UFC.
“I believe so. Nothing is impossible,” Pitbull stated regarding the possibility of signing with the UFC after a win. “I never say never. I can`t say it`s impossible. It`s not impossible. The UFC, I see it`s more like, `Damn, you`re hyped up. Come here, get your shot at showing your work.` I think it`s possible, yes. It`s a great opportunity for me to put on a good performance and bring more eyeballs.”
Pitbull has established himself as one of the most prolific knockout artists in Bellator history, securing 11 of his 16 victories within the promotion via knockout against opponents like Peter Queally, Josh Thomson, and Ryan Couture. He has also achieved success in the RIZIN ring, notably finishing the reigning 155-pound champion Roberto Satoshi with a combination of leg kicks and punches. However, he is currently on a three-fight losing streak against Alexander Shabliy, Clay Collard, and Bruno Miranda.
The 39-year-old veteran hasn`t secured a win via submission in 15 years. However, with strikes prohibited at ADXC, this event presents a potential opportunity to break that streak. Pitbull mentioned he had to adjust his strategy on short notice after being informed in Russia that leg attacks were disallowed, reportedly at the UFC`s request to prevent serious injury.
“If he makes a mistake, I`ll catch his neck,” Pitbull stated confidently. “I even know how. If he exposes himself too much with takedowns, I`ll piss him off, and get him frustrated before he shoots from long distance, and I attack his neck, take his back with quick jiu-jitsu berimbolo.”
Pitbull continued, comparing Tsarukyan`s grappling showings: “He`s shown more [grappling] in his MMA fights than this last grappling Karate Combat match. I even think he lost this match [at Karate Combat], but they have him the win. In the Charles `do Bronx` [Oliveira] fight was good, he`s shown good guillotine and arm-triangle choke defense. He`s tough and very durable.”
Pitbull is hoping that a victory at ADXC can revitalize his MMA career, particularly after his plans with the Global Fight League fell through before their first event. While he remains optimistic about potentially receiving a UFC offer, he also isn`t ruling out another potential run under the RIZIN banner in Japan.
“I`m already in talks with people in Japan, seeing some possibilities of booking fights there,” said Pitbull, recalling his 3-1 record in RIZIN with knockouts over Satoshi, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Luiz Gustavo. “People love me in Japan because I beat the champion there. It`s another great opportunity to go there and show my best. I beat the champion, I had a beef with that a****** Kleber Koike, so it`s a good idea to go back and beat people up. Who knows, maybe fight for the belt in the future.”
