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UFC's Arman Tsarukyan to compete at Karate event this week

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 12:17 PM ET

Arman Tsarukyan will return to professional competition this week at Karate Combat.

Tsarukyan was last scheduled to fight at UFC 311 in January but pulled out on extremely short notice due to an injury. Now, Tsarukyan alleges he can't find a fight in the UFC.

While he waits for a fight, Tsarukyan is keen to keep active, this time competing in a Pit Submission match at Karate Combat 54 this Friday, May 2.

Big time grappling match set for The Pit!

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Makkasharip Zaynukov goes down this Friday in a Pit Submission Series bout!

KC54 | FRI MAY 2 | DUBAI https://t.co/cobxNMofLt pic.twitter.com/MImn26vSvF
— $KARATE COMBAT (ALT/SZN) (@KarateCombat) April 28, 2025

His opponent, Makksharip Zaynukov, is a seasoned 16-4 martial artist with two submissions to his name.

Karate Combat 54 plays host to Muhammad Mokaev's return and features a heavyweight title fight between ex-UFC fighter Sam Alvey and legendary kickboxer Tyrone Spong.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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