Arman Tsarukyan continues to sharpen his grappling credentials outside the UFC.
The lightweight contender competed Wednesday at ACBJJ 20 inside Moscow’s Dynamo Volleyball Arena, headlining the event against accomplished ACA featherweight Mehdi Baydulaev. The contest was contested under ACBJJ grappling rules and carried the promotion’s special all-star title.
A turbulent opening changes the tone
The match took an unexpected turn early when confusion over the rule set briefly disrupted the action. During a clinch sequence, Tsarukyan delivered a knee strike that is not permitted under ACBJJ regulations. Baydulaev immediately reacted, and the referee stepped in to stop the contest.
After officials intervened and order was restored, the bout was allowed to continue. Tsarukyan was issued a yellow card for the infraction before action resumed.
Tsarukyan takes control late
Once the match restarted, Tsarukyan adjusted his approach and dictated the remainder of the contest through positional control and steady pressure. He consistently won scrambles, limited Baydulaev’s space, and worked methodically as the clock wound down.
In the final moments, Tsarukyan transitioned to back control and locked in a rear-naked choke. With 13 seconds remaining, Baydulaev tapped, sealing the victory.
Arman Tsarukyan gets the finish in his grappling match at #ACBJJ20 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/ukaYhm4kC8
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 17, 2025
The win marks Tsarukyan’s second appearance and second submission under the ACBJJ banner. He previously finished Patricky “Pitbull” Freire at ACBJJ 18 in September. The performance also follows his recent submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November, underscoring his continued evolution on the ground.
With another high-profile grappling finish secured, Tsarukyan remains active while awaiting his next move inside the UFC lightweight division.
