Arman Tsarukyan Offers Bodyguard Job for Street Wrestling Opponent Georgio Poullas

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan hilariously trolls RAF 06 opponent Georgio Poullas ahead of their upcoming match.

Arman Tsarukyan Offers Bodyguard Job for Street Wrestling Opponent Georgio Poullas

Arman Tsarukyan trash talks Georgio Poullas (via Instagram, UFC)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan is set to face Georgio Poullas at RAF 06 and humorously offered him a bodyguard job if he loses.
  • Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC, securing multiple grappling victories and a recent win over Lance Palmer.
  • Demetrious Johnson believes Tsarukyan poses the biggest threat to lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, emphasizing his skills and potential for a title shot.

Arman Tsarukyan is regarded as one of the UFC’s most dominant wrestlers, known for his relentless pressure and control. While he has not been very active inside the Octagon recently, he has stayed competitive under the Real American Freestyle banner. Now set to face wrestling standout Georgio Poullas at RAF 06, Tsarukyan brought an interesting proposition into the buildup to their matchup.

After being passed over for the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324, Tsarukyan stayed active outside the promotion. He secured grappling victories over Mehdi Baydulaev and Benson Henderson under the Absolute Championship Berkut Jiu-Jitsu banner, and defeated Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10 in May 2025. Most recently, he earned a technical fall victory over former PFL champion Lance Palmer at RAF 05.

Poullas is a popular YouTuber and state-level wrestler known for his ability to avoid takedowns. He posts challenge videos offering $1,000 to anyone who can take him down. Poullas earned a technical fall victory over Keelon Jimison at RAF 05, showcasing his skills. At the RAF 06 press conference, he and Tsarukyan engaged in banter, with the Armenian star presenting a humorous offer if Poullas loses.

If I beat you, don’t go out with the sign anymore. I’ll change your job, you’re going to be my bodyguard because you have good muscles. I’ll pay good money no worries.

Arman Tsarukyan via RAF 06 press conference

Being one of the richest fighters on the current UFC roster, Tsarukyan is no stranger to making bold challenges and offers. In December 2025, he made a unique proposition to Sharaputdin Magomedov before their Hype FC modified-rules grappling bout. Tsarukyan promised Magomedov an apartment in Armenia if he won. The bout ended in a draw, as it was a six-minute round with a submission-only stipulation.

Tsarukyan’s wealth largely comes from his father, Nairi Tsarukyan, a prominent Armenian business tycoon and owner of a construction company. Tsarukyan is often seen traveling in luxury cars and private jets, dining at some of the world’s most expensive restaurants. The Armenian lightweight’s financial stability allows him to make bold challenges and offers, such as the one presented to Georgio Poullas.

Arman Tsarukyan’s future remains promising as he continues to compete actively outside the UFC, using these opportunities to respond to being passed over for title shots. He has also built a strong PR profile by collaborating with influencers and streamers, boosting his popularity across social media. These efforts combine competitive success with public appeal, shaping his path toward future UFC opportunities.

UFC legend reveals why Arman Tsarukyan poses the biggest threat to Ilia Topuria

Before UFC 324 was announced, many considered Arman Tsarukyan the top contender for the UFC lightweight title. However, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan was sidelined due to past disciplinary actions. Despite this, he remained involved in a heated rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. This ongoing tension kept him in the conversation for a future title opportunity.

Arman Tsarukyan slams Ilia Topuria (via X)
Arman Tsarukyan slams Ilia Topuria (via X)

Topuria has remained undefeated throughout his career, earning knockout wins over elite fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway. These performances have raised questions about who can realistically beat him in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan recently trained with UFC legend Demetrious Johnson, who expressed a positive outlook on the contender devising a gameplan against Topuria.

After training with him, if he fights Ilia Topuria, I think he has the athletic ability, the skillset, the mixed martial artist, and the mindset to be able to beat Ilia Topuria. Does he deserve a title shot over Justin Gaethje? To be honest with you, Arman Tsarukyan should have fought either Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett for the interim title, but he didn’t. By law, the interim champion should be fighting Ilia Topuria next, and that’s a fight that needs to happen. I think Arman Tsarukyan has the best chance in the lightweight division to beat Ilia Topuria.

Demetrious Johnson via YouTube

Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan have consistently been at odds, with their rivalry drawing attention across the UFC lightweight division. Praise from a legend like Demetrious Johnson reinforces the Armenian’s credentials, highlighting his ability to develop strategies against elite opponents. Despite the tension, a title defense against interim champion Justin Gaethje is the next obvious matchup for Topuria.

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