Arman Tsarukyan has continued to thrive outside the Octagon after being snubbed by the UFC.
On Wednesday, “Ahalkalakets” squared off against former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev in a submission-only grappling showdown in the main event of Hype Brazil at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
Tsarukyan, a lifelong lightweight, predictably held a clear size and strength advantage over Mokaev and set the dominant tone from the outset. Although “The Punisher” did his best to get a grip on the matchup, he was unable to secure any top position.
Maintaining constant pressure, Tsarukyan eventually secured Mokaev’s back in the seventh minute of the bout. The No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight swiftly locked in a rear-naked choke and tightened the hold, rendering the 25-year-old Russia-born Brit unconscious. The official stoppage came at 7:46 of the 10-minute contest.
Watch the final sequence of Arman Tsarukyan’s victory over Muhammad Mokaev below:
“Ahalkalakets” was initially scheduled to face Giorgio Poullas in a rematch following their first meeting at RAF 6 in Arizona last month, which ended in a chaotic brawl. However, the American wrestler withdrew, paving the way for Mokaev to step in as a short-notice replacement.
How Many Matches Has Arman Tsarukyan Had Outside UFC Since Last Year?
Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025, but “Ahalkalakets” was forced to withdraw after reportedly suffering a back injury during fight week.
However, Tsarukyan has kept busy beyond the Octagon, competing in grappling and wrestling matches under various banners around the world. He first secured a decision victory over Makkasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54 in May, before closing out the month with a quick turnaround submission win over Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10.
The 29-year-old Armenian later competed against former UFC champion Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18 in September, where he picked up a submission victory. Tsarukyan then turned his focus back to MMA, stepping back into the Octagon at UFC Qatar and securing a dominant submission win over Dan Hooker.
“Ahalkalakets” returned to the mats in December to close out 2025 under the Hype Fighting banner, where he faced UFC middleweight fighter Shara Magomedov, but the bout ended in a draw. He then made his Real American Freestyle debut in January, securing a dominant victory over Lance Palmer via technical fall.
Arman Tsarukyan then stepped back onto the wrestling canvas for the aforementioned matchup against Giorgio Poullas at RAF 06, where he secured a decision victory. He later followed it up with the grappling clash against Muhammad Mokaev.
Tsarukyan is now set to rematch Giorgio Poullas in the main event of RAF 07, scheduled for March 28 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.
