Arman Tsarukyan’s MMA instincts spark brief chaos as BJJ title bout is halted by mid-fight foul

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated Dec 18, 2025 9:05 AM ET

Arman Tsarukyan has ended 2025 by winning a belt, but it’s not the one he wanted.

The Armenian MMA fighter was supposed to face Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title in January.

Arman Tsarukyan angered Dana White when he dropped out of their UFC 311 main event at the last minute.

A back injury meant he was unable to compete. It also put him in the bad books of the UFC CEO, who has repeatedly insisted that his number one lightweight contender will have to earn another shot at MMA’s greatest prize.

Arman Tsarukyan wins BJJ title despite foul

Arman Tsarukyan was recently overlooked when the UFC booked an interim lightweight title fight.

The 28-year-old recently beat Dan Hooker, but still got overlooked for UFC 324 on January 24, which will see Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje clash for a secondary 155lb title.

Rather than sulking about his misfortune, Tsarukyan has channeled his energy into something positive.

On Wednesday, he became an ACBJJ champion with a last-gasp rear-naked choke submission win.

Tsarukyan tapped out Mehdi Baydulaev in the final seconds of their 10-minute grappling match in Moscow, Russia.

In doing so, he captured the ACBJJ ‘All-Star Title’ and became a champion away from MMA.

However, Tsarukyan was almost disqualified for throwing a knee during a clinch exchange.

Baydulaev retaliated by kicking out at the UFC superstar, triggering a brief moment of chaos.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed, and Tsarukyan vs Baydulaev was allowed to come to a natural conclusion.

Things got heated for a moment here at ABCBJJ20 pic.twitter.com/8uahEVAAi7
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 17, 2025

Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC 324 plan

Arman Tsarukyan will attempt to get back on Dana White’s good side by taking on a key role at UFC 324.

He’ll be ready to weigh in and fight at a moment’s notice if Paddy Pimblett or Justin Gaethje fall out.

“There will be no rest because I’ll be a back-up fighter, not officially, but a back-up for the fight between Paddy and Gaethje,” Tsarukyan said ahead of his latest grappling match.

“If one of them gets injured, I’ll be ready to step in with a week’s notice, 10 days, even five days.

“I’ll be managing my weight, I won’t cut it all on weigh-in day, but if they need me, I’ll be there.

“Because of that, I have to stay in shape, keep training, sparring, and try not to get injured. I still have to give 100 percent to make fans happy, so they come to watch a beautiful, exciting fight.

“I’ll rest after the Pimblett vs Gaethje fight. We have a difficult path ahead of us, and we have to be ready at all times.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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