Get ready for an epic tale of grappling prowess and a $20,000 prize on the line! Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC lightweight contender, showcases his skills against a formidable opponent.
Imagine a scenario where a 6-foot-3 MMA YouTuber, twice the size of Tsarukyan, steps into the ring with a chance to win big. But here's the twist: Tsarukyan, known for his exceptional grappling abilities, averages over three takedowns per fight in the UFC and boasts a remarkable 75% takedown defense. So, could this YouTuber take him down? Let's find out!
MMA Guru, our YouTuber in question, recently had the opportunity to face Tsarukyan while streaming with Adin Ross. Tsarukyan, currently in Florida for his upcoming combat sports event, is no stranger to grappling success. With four wins under his belt in 2025, he's set to make his debut in Real American Freestyle, taking on former PFL champion Lance Palmer. And the story gets even more intriguing, as talks are underway for a potential grappling match against Dustin Poirier in February.
However, on Friday, Tsarukyan faced a unique challenge. Despite his impressive record, including victories over former UFC champion Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator titleholder Patricky Pitbull, MMA Guru believed he had a shot at taking Tsarukyan down. But here's where it gets controversial: Ross put $20,000 on the line, betting on the YouTuber's ability to land a takedown against the top-ranked UFC lightweight.
And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan, despite being significantly smaller, dominated the encounter. He effortlessly threw the 6-foot-3 MMA Guru to the ground, maintaining his composure and staying on his feet throughout. It was a display of skill and technique that left no doubt about Tsarukyan's grappling prowess.
But the story doesn't end there. Despite being the top contender and the fan favorite, Tsarukyan was denied a title shot at the start of 2026. Instead, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje were chosen to headline UFC 324, fighting for an interim lightweight belt. This decision sparked outrage among fans, who believed Tsarukyan deserved the shot. Dana White, in an attempt to justify the choice, suggested that Tsarukyan's weigh-in headbutt incident in Qatar played a role.
So, what do you think? Could a grappling match between Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan be an epic showdown? 🤼 Share your thoughts and join the debate! Use the comment section below to have your say and discuss this intriguing possibility. Don't forget to check out the latest news and stay tuned for more updates on this gripping MMA story!
