Arman Tsarukyan stepped away from the Octagon this week but still found a way to remind fans why his grappling remains among the best in the sport. The UFC lightweight contender competed in a grappling-only contest against fellow UFC fighter Shara Magomedov during a Hype FC event held in Yerevan, Armenia.
The exhibition style match featured no judges and no official winner, yet the difference in styles was clear from start to finish.
Key moment seals the tone
Late in the single round contest, Tsarukyan produced the most memorable sequence of the match. With less than a minute remaining, he lifted the larger Magomedov completely off the mat and drove him down with authority, drawing a loud reaction from the Armenian crowd.
The slam followed an earlier takedown and capped off a stretch where Tsarukyan controlled positioning, pressure, and pace.
Arman Tsarukyan takes down Shara Bullet 👀🔥pic.twitter.com/abTHQc5CS6
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 30, 2025
Magomedov, often called “Shara Bullet,” entered the contest with a reputation built largely on striking. While he showed solid balance and resistance, the grappling environment played directly into Tsarukyan’s strengths.
Tsarukyan maintained forward movement throughout the round, initiating exchanges and forcing Magomedov to spend extended time defending. Despite the official result being listed as a draw due to the exhibition format, Tsarukyan dictated the action for most of the contest.
This appearance marked Tsarukyan’s fifth grappling outing in 2025. Earlier this year, he secured victories over Mehdi Baydulaev, Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull, and Makkasharip Zaynukov, showing consistent dominance across different opponents and styles.
Competing frequently outside MMA has allowed him to sharpen specific areas while staying active between UFC bookings.
Both fighters are currently waiting for their next UFC assignments. Tsarukyan enters 2026 with momentum after submitting Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar, a win that strengthened his case for a future lightweight title opportunity.
Magomedov, meanwhile, rebounded from the first loss of his professional career by earning a decision victory over Marc Andre Barriault at UFC Abu Dhabi, reestablishing himself as a contender at middleweight.
