UFC superstar Arman Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC through wrestling and grappling competitions against influencers and former UFC stars.
He recently added another victory to that resume by dominating Indian influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria at Hype FC Armenia.
Hype FC Armenia took place in Yerevan at the Tashir Arena, featuring combat sports athletes and crossover competitors in a grappling event. Baiyanpuria gained fame as an Indian fitness influencer through the viral 75 Hard Challenge. He also trained in Dagestan before facing Tsarukyan, preparing his grappling skills for the contest.
Tsarukyan immediately controlled the match, using his wrestling advantage to dominate Baiyanpuria from the start. He landed a powerful slam before transitioning into an armbar submission. The Armenian forced Baiyanpuria to tap out, securing another dominant grappling victory.
Interestingly, this was not Tsarukyan's first appearance under the Hype FC banner. The Armenian previously submitted Muhammad Mokaev at Hype Brazil with a rear-naked choke victory. He also faced UFC middleweight Shara 'Bullet' Magomedov at Hype FC Armenia in December 2025, with their grappling match ending in a draw.
The grappling match took place while Tsarukyan's next UFC fight remained unannounced. Sports reporter Manouk Akopyan reported that he is expected to rematch UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 331. However, the bout is not expected to be for the BMF belt. Tsarukyan had controversially defeated Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300.
Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC in November 2025, when he submitted Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in a dominant performance. Since then, the 29-year-old has been vocal about wanting a fight for the BMF belt. He also called out Oliveira for a rematch after submitting Mokaev at Hype FC Brazil.
However, the victory over Baiyanpuria marked Tsarukyan's first appearance since suffering his first loss since 2022. That defeat came under the RAF banner, where former UFC interim champion Colby Covington defeated the Armenian at RAF 11. The result snapped Tsarukyan's seven-fight winning streak under the RAF banner.
'The Batman' has also been involved in a major rivalry with former champion Ilia Topuria, frequently calling him out after Topuria's UFC Freedom 250 title loss. However, a rematch victory over Charles Oliveira would undoubtedly strengthen Tsarukyan's case for a lightweight title shot.
Arman Tsarukyan has established himself as one of the UFC's strongest grapplers, known for his elite wrestling ability. His impressive physique reflects his strength, explosiveness, and physical preparation. The Armenian's wrestling pedigree has made him one of the lightweight division's most dangerous grapplers.
At RAF 11, Tsarukyan faced former UFC interim champion Colby Covington in a wrestling match under the RAF banner. Covington used his wrestling experience to secure the victory over the Armenian. The loss marked Tsarukyan's first defeat since 2022 and ended his seven-fight 2026 RAF winning streak.
After their RAF 11 meeting, 'Chaos' had nothing but praise for Tsarukyan and his performance. The former NCAA Division I wrestler revealed that he told the Armenian he would undoubtedly become the next champion.
Covington also praised Tsarukyan's ability to mix styles and dominate opponents. He recently highlighted the UFC lightweight contender's performance at RAF 11.
He was unbelievably strong. One of those takedowns, he literally lifted me up from the mat and I was so surprised. Just freaking picked me up like I was nothing. It was an intense match, and it came down to the final seconds.
Colby Covington via The Ariel Helwani ShowThe controversial American star's comments highlighted the respect surrounding Tsarukyan after their RAF 11 matchup.
Arman Tsarukyan has to win once more to earn a potential title shot after being overlooked by UFC CEO Dana White due to past behavioral issues.
The rematch against Charles Oliveira could establish the Armenian as the undisputed No. 1 contender if he can win the rumored bout.
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