Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes his grappling skills place him ahead of every fighter in the UFC lightweight division.
The 29 year old athlete has developed a reputation as one of the strongest wrestlers and submission specialists at 155 pounds. While waiting for his next UFC appearance, Tsarukyan has stayed active by competing in grappling matches against well known opponents.
Speaking during an appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, Tsarukyan explained that he currently sees no rival who can match his ground ability.
“I don’t feel anybody right now who can give me a hard problem on the ground,” Tsarukyan said. “Right now, my grappling skills are on a different level. I can choke out people, like I showed last fight with Hooker.”
Growth Since the Oliveira Fight
Tsarukyan believes his development over the last two years has helped raise his overall level.
The Armenian contender fought former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira two years ago. According to Tsarukyan, he has improved significantly since that matchup.
“I fought two years ago with [Charles] Oliveira. I was 27, now I’m 29. For two years, I got better,” he continued.
The fighter added that some opponents may have advantages in striking exchanges, but he remains confident when the fight moves to the mat.
“Topuria is dangerous in the boxing distance, that’s all.”
While waiting for a UFC fight date, Tsarukyan has taken part in several grappling competitions.
In November, he secured a submission victory over Dan Hooker during a bout held in Qatar. The finish added another example of his submission ability.
He also recently defeated Muhammad Mokaev with a choke in a grappling match.
Since last year, Tsarukyan has recorded wins against several well known fighters outside the UFC, including Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull, and Lance Palmer.
These matches have allowed him to keep sharpening his ground skills while waiting for his next opportunity inside the UFC.
Earlier this year he was not selected for the interim lightweight title fight, a decision that surprised some observers who view him as one of the leading contenders in the division.
Even with that delay, Tsarukyan remains confident that his chance to compete for the UFC title will eventually arrive.
Before returning to the Octagon, Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete again on the mat. He will face Georgio Poullas in a rematch at RAF 07.
Their previous meeting ended in controversy when tensions between the two athletes escalated after the match.
The upcoming contest will give both fighters another chance to settle the rivalry.
Tsarukyan continues to train and compete while waiting for his next UFC bout. With confidence in his grappling and continued activity in competition, he believes his overall skill level continues to rise.
