UFC Stars Arman Tsarukyan and Carlos Prates Caught Staying Out of Trouble in Chaotic Press Conference

Arman Tsarukyan and Carlos Prates sneakily escape as a brawl escalates between undercard fighters at Hype Brazil press event.

UFC Stars Arman Tsarukyan and Carlos Prates Caught Staying Out of Trouble in Chaotic Press Conference

Arman Tsarukyan and Carlos Prates escape brawl (via UFC, X)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan and Carlos Prates were seen avoiding a brawl during a Hype Brazil press conference.
  • Tsarukyan is set to face Muhammad Mokaev in a submission-only match at Hype Brazil on March 11, 2026.
  • Carlos Prates is co-hosting the event and is scheduled to fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth in May 2026.

While the UFC remains the premier MMA promotion in the world, many fighters have increasingly explored grappling events for additional exposure and financial incentives. Arman Tsarukyan has been a frequent presence in such competitions worldwide. However, Tsarukyan and UFC welterweight Carlos Prates were recently seen moving away from a brief brawl at a Hype Brazil press conference.

Hype Brazil features several recognizable MMA names and is headlined by Arman Tsarukyan facing former UFC flyweight contender Muhammad Mokaev in a submission-only matchup. The card also features notable grappling matches, including Jean Silva vs. Bryce Mitchell and Sharaputdin Magomedov vs. veteran striker Edson Barboza, creating an exciting lineup for fans and observers alike.

Prates will not be competing at Hype Brazil, but is co-hosting alongside UFC heavyweight contender Valter Walker. During the press conference, a brawl erupted between Joilton Lutterbach and Lev Sarkisyan. Prates ran out from between them, followed by Tsarukyan, both enjoying from a safe distance. Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell also made light of the situation, turning it into a humorous moment.

Tsarukyan’s reaction to the Hype Brazil brawl was understandable, as he was recently involved in a confrontation with Georgio Poullas following their match at RAF 06. After that, the RAF 06 incident, Tsarukyan was once again subtly undermined by UFC CEO Dana White when asked about his next fight. White’s comments were tied to concerns over the Armenian lightweight’s past behavioral issues.

Prates has been rising rapidly in the UFC welterweight ranks, establishing himself as a contender to watch. He is scheduled to face former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth in May 2026. Known for embracing chaos, the Brazilian welterweight has a reputation as a party animal, with frequent socializing and well-known smoking and drinking habits adding to his unpredictable persona.

Hype Brazil is set to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Time with a live pay-per-view broadcast. The main event features Arman Tsarukyan facing Muhammad Mokaev in a submission-only 10-minute matchup. This bout presents a significant challenge for the Armenian contender, who has already competed under the Hype FC banner.

Muhammad Mokaev views a win against Arman Tsarukyan as the key to a potential UFC return

Muhammad Mokaev began his UFC career as a top prospect, quickly gaining attention for his dominant grappling and well-rounded MMA skills. He earned several victories in the promotion, showcasing his dominance against the likes of Manel Kape and Tim Elliot. However, his UFC run came to an unexpected halt in 2024 due to a combination of injuries, bad reputation and missed fight opportunities.

Arman Tsarukyan and Muhammad Mokaev
Arman Tsarukyan and Muhammad Mokaev (via Draft Kings, BBC)

After his UFC stint, Muhammad Mokaev moved to the Brave CF banner to rebuild his career and gain more experience. He won the BCF Flyweight Championship at Brave CF 100 in November 2025, cementing his status among top flyweights outside the UFC. Now, as he prepares to face Arman Tsarukyan at Hype Brazil, the matchup represents a new challenge and a chance to make a statement.

I think I need to do MMA to get back to the UFC, but if I submit Arman, give me the title shot straight away. I think uncle is gonna call me straight away.

Muhammad Mokaev via Hype Brazil press conference

Both Arman Tsarukyan and Muhammad Mokaev share a strained relationship with UFC CEO Dana White. Tsarukyan has faced criticism for past behavioral issues, while Mokaev left the UFC on tense terms with the promotion’s top brass. Both fighters now compete outside the UFC to prove their abilities. Mokaev remains undefeated and, at just 25, continues to be one of the sport’s most promising young talents.

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