Tsarukyan Faces Indian Influencer In Armenia Grappling Match

Arman Tsarukyan will grapple Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in a submission-only match next month in Armenia, his latest exhibition bout following a loss to Colby Covington under the Real American Freestyle banner in Milwaukee.

The bout headlines Hype Fighting on August 1 at Tashir Arena in Yerevan, per MMA Mania. Baiyanpuria made his name online posting workout clips filmed outdoors, often in minimal gear. Their match will be submission-only with no time limit announced.

Tsarukyan Expected Back In UFC By September

The card also features a bare knuckle title fight between Nikarkho and Khachatryan. Tsarukyan, 29, has competed in multiple grappling exhibitions outside the UFC this year, including the RAF event that saw Covington win by decision.

Tsarukyan is reportedly set to rematch Charles Oliveira at UFC 331 in September in Los Angeles. That booking would mark his return to the lightweight division after the side trips into submission grappling and mixed-rules formats. The first Oliveira fight ended in a decision win for the Brazilian in April 2024.

The Armenian has not fought under UFC rules since his lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, a bout he lost by submission in the first round. Weigh-ins for the Hype Fighting card are scheduled for July 31.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Arman vs. Ankit: Side quest fatigue exhausts UFC fans as Tsarukyan continues grappling world tour