(Video) Arman Tsarukyan Vs ‘Street Wrestler’ Match Goes out of Control After UFC Star Throws Punches

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan gets into a physical altercation with opponent at RAF 6.

(Video) Arman Tsarukyan Vs ‘Street Wrestler’ Match Goes out of Control After UFC Star Throws Punches

Arman Tsarukyan beats up Georgio Poullas at RAF 6 after wrestling match (via X)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan's grappling match against Georgio Poullas escalated into a brawl after Tsarukyan threw punches post-match.
  • The altercation required intervention from security and event staff as both fighters' teams rushed onto the mats.
  • Tsarukyan secured a decision victory with a score of around 5-3 or 6-4, but faced criticism for his aggressive behavior.

Apart from competing in the UFC lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan has stayed active through multiple grappling contests in 2025. He participated in five submission grappling events last year to sharpen his skills and maintain competitive momentum. Most recently, he faced Georgio Poullas at RAF 6 in Tempe, Arizona, where the match ended in a massive brawl.

The wrestling match was highly competitive and saw repeated warnings for rough fighting and open-hand strikes between Tsarukyan and Poullas. The popular street wrestler was seen hitting Tsarukyan multiple times, and the UFC fighter’s teammates were already getting frustrated with it. Immediately after the final buzzer, Tsarukyan tackled Poullas to the mat before repeatedly punching him in the face.

Several angles saw Tsarukyan landing some clean shots before getting separated by the security officials. Both fighters’ teams rushed onto the mats, escalating the situation into an unruly brawl requiring security and staff intervention. The altercation went beyond the mats, carrying into the arena floor before officials and security finally stopped the widespread disturbance.

Footage circulating online captured the heated moment when Tsarukyan’s frustrations boiled over into outright physical aggression after victory. UFC superstars Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili were present there, and were excited to see the brawl. Colby Covington, UFC welterweight, was seen assisting Poullas to safety as event personnel separated everyone involved.

Before the fight, during the media events, there was some animosity between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas. The American was trying his best to provoke Tsarukyan until it resulted in a heated brawl. The wrestler was also accused of using PEDs, given his huge size in comparison to Tsarukyan.

Tsarukyan executed explosive double leg takedowns, timing Poullas’ forward pressure perfectly and driving through hips to secure clean finishes. Whenever Poullas defended the initial attack, Tsarukyan transitioned smoothly into body locks and outside trips during relentless chain wrestling sequences.

Tsarukyan finished the bout with a decision victory on points with a final score generally reported as around 5-3 or 6-4. Several fighters on social media described the UFC star as dangerous or behaving with “rage,” adding to public debate and criticism. However, others supported it as Poullas was fighting dirty during their wrestling match.

“Unfortunately I was jumped… And by the way, I’m the only one that got a takedown. I’m still the champ baby,” said Poullas while going to the hospital. Tsarukyan’s friend and UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev also watched the fight live and called out Colby Covington for the next RAF event.

Arman Tsarukyan gets a warning from the lightweight king Ilia Topuria

In the UFC lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan has consistently targeted reigning champion Ilia Topuria, intensifying their already heated rivalry. In his most recent Octagon appearance, Tsarukyan secured a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker, solidifying his number two ranking.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria (via

Both contenders have exchanged sharp verbal jabs across interviews and social media, escalating tensions between Tsarukyan and ‘El Matador’. During a recent live stream appearance with Adin Ross, Topuria openly discussed the possibility of fighting Tsarukyan next.

Arman, easy. Because he will panic. With me, he will panic. What’s he going to do? I always used to say, when I’m in training camp, I know how it feels when you feel pain. I know how it feels when you feel tired. I know how it feels when you feel like you can’t do more, and you keep doing it. I know about myself that there’s not a situation that I’m going to give up. You’re going to have to kill me. And you know what, I love my life, and I’m not ready to die.

Ilia Topuria via Adin Ross stream

Ilia Topuria is currently expected to fight the interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, potentially at the White House event. With no announcements, the hype around it is massive, and the champion is confident about extending his undefeated streak.

Also Read: