“Grip Strength is Crazy” – Arman Tsarukyan Humbles Physically Bigger Streamer in $20K Challenge

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan showcases exceptional grappling defense against the MMA Guru ahead of RAF 05.

“Grip Strength is Crazy” – Arman Tsarukyan Humbles Physically Bigger Streamer in $20K Challenge

Arman Tsarukyan shows off strength against MMA Guru (via X)

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Arman Tsarukyan is regarded as one of the most skilled and dominant wrestlers in the UFC lightweight division, built on consistent control and technical efficiency. He specializes in sustained grappling pressure and advanced submission awareness developed through elite competition. Those strengths were on display during an informal challenge involving a $20,000 wager against popular analyst, MMA Guru.

Tsarukyan was recently excluded from an interim lightweight title opportunity at UFC 324 following disciplinary issues involving the UFC and its leadership, including Dana White. The Armenian star has remained active through a steady stream of wrestling competitions outside the UFC structure. Those efforts have included engagements against the likes of Benson Henderson and Makkarship Zaykunov.

Tsarukyan recently appeared on Kick streamer Adin Ross’s stream, where a physical challenge was arranged. A 280-pound member of Ross’s crew first attempted a takedown for $15,000, but the effort was quickly neutralized. Ross then placed a $20,000 wager on the 6’3 tall MMA Guru stepping in next. Despite briefly securing a single-leg, Guru failed to complete the takedown as Tsarukyan stayed in control.

Nah his grip strength is fully crazy.

MMA Guru via X

Tsarukyan is no stranger to high-stakes wagers outside the UFC, having previously embraced similar challenges. He recently put a free apartment in Armenia on the line against Hype FC opponent Sharaputdin Magomedov ahead of a special one-round, submission-only match. Despite facing a larger 185-pound opponent, Tsarukyan asserted clear dominance by slamming Magomedov during the exchange.

The Armenian star can participate in high-value wagers thanks to financial backing from his father, Nairi Tsarukyan, who has a net worth of $100 million and runs a successful construction business. This support provides him with resources beyond his UFC earnings. He is frequently seen traveling in luxury cars and attending high-end events. Such stability allows him to engage in content collaborations without concern.

Arman Tsarukyan is now set to face Lance Palmer at RAF 05, with preparations underway as part of his training schedule. He was in active camp for that matchup at the time of the challenge, maintaining full competitive conditioning. That context explained the sharpness and control he displayed during the exchange with MMA Guru. The moment reflected Tsarukyan operating at the peak of his physical abilities.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals why the UFC did not want him to headline UFC 324

Arman Tsarukyan has long held his position as the UFC’s top lightweight contender and reaffirmed it with a submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. The result strengthened his case at the top of the division. Despite that performance, Tsarukyan was overlooked for the interim lightweight title bout. The UFC instead booked Justin Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett to headline UFC 324.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via Bloody Elbow)

The Armenian’s standing with UFC leadership declined following several high-profile issues. He faced disciplinary scrutiny after striking a fan during his UFC 300 walkout and later withdrawing from his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev on short notice. Those incidents placed him out of favor with CEO Dana White. Tsarukyan indicated that the promotion viewed him as a risk for major broadcast events.

They said, ‘You’re too dangerous to put you on the first card on Paramount because headbutt, pull out, beating fans’.

Arman Tsarukyan via Kick

Another contributing factor was Tsarukyan headbutting Dan Hooker during their faceoff ahead of UFC Qatar. The incident added to ongoing concerns surrounding his conduct outside competition. Combined with earlier issues, it influenced Dana White’s decision to exclude Tsarukyan from consideration for the interim title. The episode underscored how disciplinary factors can impact UFC matchmaking decisions.

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