Arman Tsarukyan (Image credits Imagn Images)

Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Grappling Showdown After Contract Call-Out Following BJJ Champ’s Challenge

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 12:30 PM ET

The frustration of not getting the right opponents and getting snubbed for a title shot is real. It has become a regular issue for Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan. He was passed over for the interim title fight, and many opponents don’t want to face him despite his status as the No. 1 contender. Still, he has found a way to compete against the best. That way is through grappling showdowns.

Tsarukyan has recently competed in several grappling matches. The biggest among them came when he faced former NCAA champion and PFL veteran Lance Palmer. Tsarukyan won the match via technical fall (10–0) in the first period. He also secured a big win over Sharaputdin Magomedov. Now, he has suggested a new opponent, Mikey Musumeci.

Following his title defense at UFC BJJ 5, Musumeci issued a public challenge to Tsarukyan. The Armenian said, “Tell your boss to send me a contract.” To which the UFC BJJ Bantamweight Champion replied, “Bratha I have to check your grappling…We both have the same boss Hunter. And we both agree now great so let’s do it!!!.”

Looks like Arman Tsarukyan vs Mikey Musumeci could be happening next pic.twitter.com/B9HXWxbQBM
— Dovy (@DovySimuMMA) February 14, 2026

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Tsarukyan has shown he is at his best in grappling, but Musumeci is one of the biggest and most well-known names in the sport, with a good-guy persona. If Tsarukyan wins, it will cement his legacy.

Demetrious Johnson Feels Arman Tsarukyan Will Surely Become a World Champ

Arman Tsarukyan (Image Credits: Imagn)

Johnson said that if he keeps training smart with different partners, he can have a long career and take less damage. He believes there is a time to spar hard, but this fighter may not need to do that all the time. He thinks the fighter can train this way, stay healthy, and still become a world champion.

In his words, “If he’s able to train like that with multiple people. He will have a long career while taking less damage. There is a time to start sparring hard, but I feel like he’s the kind of person who could probably go through his career training like that and become a world champion.”

After being snubbed, Tsarukyan has said he still wants to become champion and is even ready to move down to featherweight. If he doesn’t get the lightweight title shot, he believes he can still chase and claim the 145-pound belt.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: