Arman Tsarukyan picked up another victory outside traditional MMA competition when he faced Muhammad Mokaev in a submission grappling contest at the Hype Brazil event.
The matchup served as the main attraction of the show, which took place inside the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro. Both fighters entered the match with strong grappling reputations, but Tsarukyan quickly showed control once the action began.
Pressure and size advantage make the difference
Throughout the contest, Tsarukyan used his larger frame and constant forward movement to push the pace. Mokaev worked hard to stay safe on the ground and repeatedly tried to recover guard, but Tsarukyan kept attacking positions.
The key moment arrived around the seventh minute of the match. Tsarukyan managed to move behind his opponent and secure back control.
Once he locked the position, Tsarukyan slipped his arm under the chin and applied a rear naked choke. The pressure of the hold forced Mokaev unconscious, ending the match by technical submission.
The official result recorded Tsarukyan as the winner at 7:46 of the opening round.
Arman Tsarukyan just put Muhammad Mokaev to SLEEP in a grappling match 😳 pic.twitter.com/YCjupmmVTl
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 12, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan just called out Charles Oliveira after his win at Hype Brazil 👀pic.twitter.com/Y6UyZxzbul
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 12, 2026
The victory adds another entry to Tsarukyan’s busy run in grappling competitions outside the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The 29 year old fighter stayed very active during the previous year. In 2025 he competed in five submission matches and has already appeared twice in events connected to RAF this year.
After the match, Tsarukyan expressed appreciation to the UFC for allowing him to stay active in different competitions while waiting for his next fight inside the cage.
He also shared that he hopes to challenge for the UFC title and the BMF belt in the future. If those opportunities take time to arrive, he said he is willing to continue taking grappling matches.
Among the names he mentioned as possible opponents were Dillon Danis and former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Tsarukyan will return to action soon. He is scheduled to face Georgio Poullas again later this month at RAF 7 in Tampa, Florida.
The upcoming bout will be a rematch between the two competitors and continues Tsarukyan’s streak of frequent competition while he waits for his next major opportunity in MMA.
Other results from the event
Several other matchups on the Hype Brazil card finished without a winner.
The bout between Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell ended in a draw.
Another contest between Edson Barboza and Shara Magomedov also finished as a draw.
