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Muhammad Mokaev Shares Message Following Loss To Arman Tsarukyan
Muhammad Mokaev and Arman Tsarukyan (Photo by Imagn Images)

Muhammad Mokaev Shares Message Following Loss To Arman Tsarukyan

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports  |  By Pavan Sharma  |  Last updated Mar 12, 2026 1:46 PM ET

Muhammad Mokaev did not tap. That detail alone says everything about the kind of competitor he is, even when the outcome is as definitive as being rendered unconscious by a rear-naked choke at the 7:46 mark of a ten-minute submission-only match. And now, the former UFC fighter has shared his thoughts after losing to Arman Tsarukyan at Hype FC: Brazil. 

Mokaev admitted the weight difference was big, saying Tsarukyan had around a 20-kg advantage. In a grappling match, that kind of gap matters a lot. Still, he didn’t use it as an excuse. He gave Tsarukyan credit, called him a good opponent, and said their respect for each other is mutual. He kept it simple and avoided any drama.

“The weight difference was it was a bit crazy and Like 20 kg, but it doesn’t take away anything from Arman’s victory. He did great job. He’s good opponent, he’s a respect. I respect him. He respects me simple as that nothing taking away from him, congratulations. If opportunity shows up in my life again compete against the best in the world. I Just need like two minutes on the call,” he said.

For a fighter who just got choked unconscious in front of a crowd in Rio de Janeiro, that is a composed and dignified response. Mokaev could have leaned entirely on the weight differential as justification. He chose instead to give Tsarukyan his flowers while maintaining his own dignity. And now the Armenian fighter wants Dillon Danis for a grappling showdown.

Arman Tsarukyan Calls Out Dillon Danis For Grappling Match After Submitting Muhammad Mokaev


Arman Tsarukyan (Image Credits: Imagn Images)

Fresh off choking Mokaev unconscious in Brazil, Tsarukyan barely had time to celebrate before pointing at his next targets. While he wants to fight against Charles Oliveira, he also wants to fight Dillon Danis. The callout of Danis was casual and direct. He had heard Danis wanted to grapple him, so why not make it happen? The energy behind it carried the confidence of a man who had just finished someone on the mat and wanted to stay hot while the moment was his.

“I heard Dillon Danis wants to wrestle me. Grapple me, come on bro. Let’s do it, let’s make it happen,” the ranked-two UFC lightweight said during the post-fight interview. To which Danis responded: “I accept Arman. I’ll see you soon.”

Danis comes from a strong Brazilian jiu-jitsu background under Marcelo Garcia, one of the most respected names in grappling. But people have often questioned his consistency in competition and whether his skills can hold up under real pressure against top opponents. Tsarukyan represents exactly that kind of test.

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

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