Hollywood Star Tom Hardy Rejects Grappling Match Offer Against UFC Contender Arman Tsarukyan

Tom Hardy was offered to fight Arman Tsarukyan before Sharaputdin Magomedov was considered for December 2025 Hype FC event.

Hollywood Star Tom Hardy Rejects Grappling Match Offer Against UFC Contender Arman Tsarukyan

Tom Hardy was offered a grappling match against Arman Tsarukyan (via Instagram)

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Wrestling and grappling events have seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent months, driven by promotions such as Real American Freestyle and Hype FC. These organizations have hosted high-profile cards featuring UFC fighters and grappling specialists. In a notable development, Hollywood actor Tom Hardy revealed he was offered a grappling match against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Hardy is a long-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner with an extensive competitive background. He has won multiple gold medals across sanctioned BJJ tournaments, competing against experienced practitioners. His involvement extends beyond competition, as he frequently attends UFC events and fight nights. The English star’s consistent presence has made him a familiar figure within the MMA community.

Tsarukyan faced UFC middleweight Sharaputdin Magomedov, known as ‘Shara Bullet’, at Hype FC on December 30, 2025. The bout followed a submission-only, single-round grappling format and ended in a draw. A recent screenshot revealed that Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosyan had offered the matchup to Hardy. However, only a portion of the message was visible, with key details blurred out.

Armand, first of all this is a very kind offer. Where and why has it come from? It appears far more money than any professional BJJ practitioner would usually earn. So it’s not about that. Also filiming between now and March. Thank you so much for thinking.

Tom Hardy via Instagram

Hardy is among the most recognizable English actors, with significant roles in global film franchises. He portrayed Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and later starred as Eddie Brock in Venom series. Outside of combat sports, Hardy maintains an active acting schedule. He is currently filming the second season of Mob Land and a 2026 remake of the popular 1963 classic The Great Escape.

Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC by competing in wrestling and grappling events worldwide. His continued competition followed his exclusion from the interim lightweight title bout at UFC 324. During this period, he has faced elite opponents across disciplines. Those include former UFC champion Benson Henderson, former Bellator champion Patricky Pitbull, and Makkasharip Zaynukov.

Tsarukyan is now scheduled to continue his grappling run at Real American Freestyle 5 on January 10, 2026. He is set to face former PFL featherweight tournament champion Lance Palmer in a high-profile matchup. The bout further reflects Tsarukyan’s commitment to staying active outside the UFC. His participation underscores the growing prominence of crossover wrestling and grappling events.

Fans react to Tom Hardy rejecting an offer to fight Arman Tsarukyan under the Hype FC banner

Fans across social media responded quickly to the revelation, with many expressing surprise that a matchup between Tom Hardy and Arman Tsarukyan was even considered. Many supporters noted how rare it is for an actor to be offered a bout against a UFC contender. Some fans viewed the offer as further proof of how mainstream grappling events have become.

Tom Hardy at a grappling competition
Tom Hardy at a grappling competition (via The Guardian)

Fans were particularly curious about the financial side of the proposed matchup, as no specific amount was disclosed. Hardy describing the offer as a major payday sparked widespread discussion, especially when he suggested it exceeded what many professionals earn on a regular basis. The potential payout quickly became a central topic within online discussions.

Another wave of reactions focused on the privacy surrounding the revealed messages. Fans questioned why key details were blurred out in the shared screenshot and debated how much information should be made public. Some viewed the partial disclosure as deliberate, while others criticized the lack of transparency. The situation fueled broader conversation about confidentiality in modern combat sports.

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