Arman
Tsarukyan will return to competition this weekend, though not
inside the Octagon.
The top-ranked
Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight contender is set to
face Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in a
submission-only grappling match at a Hype Fighting event in
Armenia, the promotion announced on Instagram.
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Arman Tsarukyan faces Ankit Baiyanpuria in a submission-only
grappling match at Hype Fighting in Armenia
Hype Fighting announced a submission-only grappling match between
Tsarukyan and Baiyanpuria for their upcoming event in Yerevan,
Armenia, on Aug. 1.
Tsarukyan has not competed in mixed martial arts since November
last year, when he submitted Dan Hooker.
The victory marked his return following a lengthy hiatus after
earning a decision win over former lightweight champion Charles
Oliveira at UFC
300 in April 2024.
While his next UFC appearance remains unconfirmed, Tsarukyan has
stayed active outside the promotion. The Armenian has competed
eight times under the Real American Freestyle banner, compiling a
7-1 record. His lone defeat came earlier this month, when he lost
on points to Colby
Covington.
Meanwhile, Baiyanpuria has emerged as one of India’s most notable
fitness influencers, building a massive online following through
his workout videos, traditional training methods and disciplined
lifestyle content. However, he has no notable professional
grappling credentials.