Tsarukyan Drama After Grappling Bout
Arman Tsarukyan dominated headlines for post-match drama, including attacking Georgio Poullas after their grappling bout at RAF06 — a post that got 30k+ likes. This follows Tsarukyan's prior incident of headbutting Dan Hooker. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira eyes a featherweight title run and Ilia Topuria dismisses Tsarukyan as a threat.
The altercation at the Real American Freestyle 06 event was reportedly preceded by in-match provocations from Georgio Poullas, including a slap and "indecent remarks." Arman Tsarukyan, who won the wrestling bout 5-3, retaliated immediately after the match by striking Poullas, which led to a larger brawl involving team members. This incident adds to a pattern of confrontations for Tsarukyan. At the ceremonial weigh-ins for a UFC Fight Night in November 2025, he headbutted his opponent, Dan Hooker. Hooker later claimed the headbutt resulted in a fractured nose, which he discovered after their fight. Tsarukyan has also faced official sanctions for his actions outside the cage. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) suspended him for nine months and fined him $25,000 for punching a fan during his walkout at UFC 300. The suspension could be reduced to six months if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign. Meanwhile, UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria has been publicly dismissive of Tsarukyan as a potential challenger. Topuria has stated he believes Tsarukyan would "panic" in a fight with him and has criticized his inability to finish top-level opponents, pointing to his losses against Islam Makhachev and Mateusz Gamrot. Contrary to a potential featherweight run, recent reports suggest former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is targeting a high-profile lightweight bout. Following his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, Oliveira has been linked to a BMF title fight against Max Holloway, which would take place in the 155-pound division.
