The co main event of RAF 6 brought high drama to Mullett Arena on Saturday night as Arman Tsarukyan faced Georgio Poullas in a wrestling showdown that ended in controversy.
Tsarukyan earned a points victory with a reported score of 5 to 3, but the match will be remembered more for heated exchanges and post match chaos than for clean technique.
Background
Tsarukyan is widely regarded as one of the top lightweight mixed martial artists in the world. While waiting for another opportunity to challenge for the UFC lightweight title, he has competed in grappling events to stay active. Earlier this year, he dominated Lance Palmer at RAF 5 and also secured three grappling victories in separate appearances. Though he began in youth wrestling, Tsarukyan later focused on mixed martial arts, developing strong skills on the mat.
Poullas comes from a solid wrestling background as well. A high school state champion in Ohio, he later competed at Cleveland State. In recent years, he gained attention online with a bold claim that no one can take him down. RAF 6 presented the toughest test of that claim.
Period One
Both athletes started cautiously with hand fighting and attempts to control the head and arms. Early tension surfaced when Tsarukyan stopped the action to complain to the referee. Moments later, he slapped Poullas during an exchange.
A replay showed both competitors had used open hands in close quarters, though Tsarukyan’s strike appeared stronger. Officials paused the action as both camps voiced concerns. For a brief moment, it seemed Poullas might refuse to continue.
After discussions, the match resumed. More aggressive hand fighting followed, and Poullas was placed on a shot clock for inactivity. Tempers continued to rise, with shoves and arguments interrupting the flow. When the first period ended, Tsarukyan led 2 to 1.
Period Two
Former champion Ben Askren joined commentary and openly criticized Poullas’ approach, suggesting he was attempting to provoke a disqualification.
The second period featured more active wrestling. Poullas secured an underhook and nearly forced a push out, but Tsarukyan recovered at the edge. Continued hand fighting kept Tsarukyan from launching clean attacks.
Another inactivity point went to Tsarukyan. An accidental clash of heads briefly halted action, yet the match continued. Late in the period, Tsarukyan finally managed to push Poullas out for a point.
After the whistle, tension flared again. Tsarukyan offered a gesture of sportsmanship that Poullas ignored, leading to another brief slap attempt. Officials did not issue a penalty. Tsarukyan extended his lead to 4 to 1.
Period Three
Before the final period began, Poullas requested time for adjustments, which drew further commentary criticism. When action restarted, Tsarukyan came forward with urgency.
In a surprising moment, Poullas scored a takedown during a scramble. He then forced Tsarukyan out of bounds, though initial scoring confusion followed. After review, the action tightened the contest.
Tsarukyan quickly answered with a strong double leg takedown of his own, driving through with power. There was uncertainty about the exact point total due to position at the boundary, but he regained control of the match.
The closing seconds featured heavy hand fighting that bordered on open hand striking. Poullas attempted a late takedown, but Tsarukyan defended successfully as time expired.
Post Match Chaos
Immediately after the whistle, Tsarukyan rushed forward and struck Poullas with ground strikes. The unexpected attack triggered a rush of coaches and officials onto the mat.
Crowd disturbances followed, and security moved quickly to restore order. The scene took several minutes to calm down.
Official Result
Due to the confusion and disruption, the final announcement was brief. Arman Tsarukyan was declared the winner by points, 5 to 3.
Watch the highlights below:
This was 1000% deserved, Georgio was smacking Arman the entire fight, get rekt. #RAF06
pic.twitter.com/z1cf8iEJDp— Kenny Okoye🇳🇬 (@TruthfulUfcFan) March 1, 2026
RAF06 | 175 lbs (Co-Main) — Arman Tsarukyan defeats Georgio Poullas 5–3.
A tense bout spilled into a post-match BRAWL, with officials stepping in quickly to separate both sides. pic.twitter.com/x6i0yPonKu
— Saturday Night Lights (@WrestlingSNL) March 1, 2026
A MASSIVE brawl breaks out after the match between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas at RAF06!
( 🎥 @JoseYoungs) pic.twitter.com/Id9oTVBWwX
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) March 1, 2026
