With his UFC future still unsettled, Arman Tsarukyan has chosen to stay active by stepping into a different competitive arena. The lightweight contender is set to compete in another professional wrestling match later this month.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC lightweight division, will appear at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, on Feb. 28. The bout will take place under the Real American Freestyle banner and pairs him with Georgio Poullas, a former Ohio state high school wrestling champion.
A Different Kind of Competition
Rather than waiting for clarity from the UFC, Tsarukyan continues to test himself outside mixed martial arts. His upcoming opponent is widely recognized for his public wrestling challenges, which have gained attention through social media by offering cash rewards to anyone able to secure a takedown.
The matchup removes striking and submissions from the equation, placing full focus on grappling technique and control.
At 29 years old, Tsarukyan is already familiar with the Real American Freestyle format. Earlier this year, he competed for the promotion and delivered a commanding performance against Lance Palmer, a former PFL competitor with a strong collegiate wrestling résumé.
That win reinforced Tsarukyan’s reputation as one of the strongest wrestlers among UFC lightweights and made a return appearance a natural fit.
The Feb. 28 event, known as RAF06, features several recognizable figures from combat sports. The main event will showcase a wrestling match between former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber, adding further attention to the card.
The promotion has continued to attract crossover athletes during breaks in MMA competition.
Real American Freestyle leadership believes the upcoming event reflects the organization’s long term goals.
“We set out to build something wrestling never had, a true professional home,” said Chad Bronstein, co-founder and CEO of Real American Freestyle. “2025 showed us that the appetite is there. 2026 is about building on that foundation and taking this league to an even bigger level.”
Fans will be able to watch the event through FOX Nation, where RAF06 is scheduled to stream exclusively.
