Arman Tsarukyan, a top UFC lightweight contender, showcased his grappling skills by submitting Patricky “Pitbull” Freire at ADXC 10 on May 31 2025. The event took place at Voleybol’Naya Arena Dynamo in Moscow, Russia, with Tsarukyan securing a rear-naked choke victory in the main event.
Born October 11, 1996, in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, Arman Tsarukyan holds a 23-3 MMA record. Joining the UFC in 2019, he lost his debut to Islam Makhachev but won nine fights since, including Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.
Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1 in the UFC lightweight division, has stayed active outside the octagon. Earlier in May 2025, he won a unanimous decision against Makasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54.
The Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship announced Tsarukyan’s grappling match against Freire on May 8 2025, marking ADXC’s debut in Moscow. The catchweight bout at 176 pounds featured five three-minute rounds, with leg attacks banned at UFC’s request to prevent injuries.
Tsarukyan aimed to maintain momentum after withdrawing from a UFC 311 title shot against Makhachev due to a back injury.
The Grappling Match
Tsarukyan dominated Freire, a former Bellator lightweight champion, at ADXC 10. He secured a takedown and applied relentless pressure, culminating in a rear-naked choke in the fifth round. This marked his first submission win since 2017, per Combat Casuals on X.
Arman Tsarukyan submits Patricky Pitbull at #ADXC10
— Combat Casuals (@Combat_Casuals) May 31, 2025
Arman takedown his father 😅 pic.twitter.com/T7Luf3OkcE
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 31, 2025
Patricky Freire, born January 21, 1986, in Natal, Brazil, has a 25-14 MMA record. A Bellator veteran since 2011, he won the lightweight title in 2021 by knocking out Peter Queally. He also competed in RIZIN, going 3-1 with knockouts.
Freire hoped a win over Tsarukyan would earn a UFC contract, telling MMA Fighting, “I believe so. Nothing is impossible.” He adapted his strategy after learning leg attacks were banned, focusing on neck attacks.
Tsarukyan’s wrestling background shone, with his takedown precision overwhelming Freire. His recent grappling experience, including the Karate Combat win, prepared him for ADXC’s shorter rounds.
Freire planned to frustrate Tsarukyan with jiu-jitsu, saying, “If he exposes himself too much with takedowns, I’ll attack his neck,” per MMA Fighting. Despite his efforts, he couldn’t counter Tsarukyan’s pressure.
Freire remains open to RIZIN or a UFC offer, citing his popularity in Japan.
Tsarukyan’s ADXC 10 win follows his UFC 311 withdrawal, which cost him a title shot. He turned down a UFC Abu Dhabi fight against Mateusz Gamrot in July 2025, calling it disrespectful to his No. 1 ranking.
He’s expressed interest in fighting Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett next.
ADXC 10 drew attention for featuring UFC stars like Tsarukyan alongside veterans like Freire. Previous ADXC events included Aljamain Sterling and Derek Brunson.
Tsarukyan’s win reinforces his grappling prowess, boosting his UFC title case.
Tsarukyan is unbooked, awaiting a UFC return, possibly against Gaethje or Pimblett. Freire seeks MMA opportunities, eyeing UFC or RIZIN. This submission victory keeps Tsarukyan in the lightweight spotlight.
