Arman Tsarukyan, a 28-year-old Armenian UFC lightweight contender, returned to action on May 2, 2025, in Dubai at Karate Combat 54. Ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division and 15th in pound-for-pound standings as of March 25, 2025, he holds a 22-3 record. After a back injury forced him to withdraw from a UFC title fight against Islam Makhachev on January 17, 2025, Tsarukyan chose a wrestling-style match to stay sharp. He defeated Dagestani fighter Makkasharip Zaynukov by unanimous decision but expressed disappointment in the bout’s lack of excitement.
Why Tsarukyan’s Match Stayed Action-Free
The match, part of Karate Combat’s Pit Submission Series at 175 pounds, spanned two five-minute rounds with rules barring leg locks. Tsarukyan opened by attempting a single-leg takedown, which Zaynukov blocked against the pit’s wall. Both wrestlers struggled to drag each other down, focusing on hand-fighting with no ground action.
In the second round, Tsarukyan tried another takedown, countered again, and quickly stood up. Judges awarded him both rounds for his control, ending the bout without a third round.
Final moments of the grappling match between Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev’s teammate Makkasharip Zaynukov at @KarateCombat who represents Nurmagomedov School pic.twitter.com/NRezq3WWJU
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 2, 2025
“I knew this fight was gonna be like this, boring,” Tsarukyan said. “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”.
Tsarukyan, a former pankration world champion with strong wrestling skills, competed to end a year-long hiatus since his April 2024 win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. His opponent, Zaynukov, a 16-4 MMA fighter from Dagestan, trains with Makhachev’s team and won his PFL debut in October 2024 against Dedrek Sanders.
“I haven’t fought in one year and that’s why I came and wrestled today,” Tsarukyan noted. “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”.
The match tested Tsarukyan’s recovery from a sciatic nerve injury sustained during UFC 311’s weight cut.
Post-match, Tsarukyan set his sights on the UFC lightweight title.
“Can’t wait for next one,” he said. “I need one more guy from Khabib’s team. Let’s do this again”.
“I need one more guy from Khabib’s team” – Arman Tsarukyan 😳 pic.twitter.com/uPnOpjt9tW
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) May 2, 2025
He aims to rematch Makhachev, who defeated him in his 2019 UFC debut but has since lost only once in 11 UFC fights. Tsarukyan’s four-fight win streak includes victories over Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Joaquim Silva, and Damir Ismagulov. Khabib Nurmagomedov recently called him a “more competitive” opponent for Makhachev than Ilia Topuria.
With no UFC fight scheduled, Tsarukyan remains open to facing top lightweights like Justin Gaethje or Oliveira in a five-round bout to secure another title shot. He completed a reduced six-month NSAC suspension for striking a fan at UFC 300, making him eligible since October 2024. His Karate Combat win keeps him active while he pursues a championship opportunity.
