Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is set to return to combat sports action this Friday, May 2nd, but not in the familiar confines of the UFC Octagon. Instead, “Ahalkalakets” will participate in a Pit Submission Series grappling match at Karate Combat 54 in Dubai.
What makes this contest particularly intriguing is Tsarukyan’s opponent – Makkasharip Zaynukov, a teammate of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev from the camp of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
This marks Tsarukyan’s first competitive appearance since his controversial withdrawal from UFC 311, where he was scheduled to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title. Tsarukyan pulled out approximately 36 hours before the fight, citing a back injury, which led to Renato Moicano stepping in as a last-minute replacement.
The fallout from that decision has been significant. UFC President Dana White stated that Tsarukyan would need to go “back to the drawing board” to earn another title opportunity, effectively sending him to the back of the contender line.
Social media reactions to this grappling match announcement have been mixed. Some fans view it as a risky move, with one commenting, “Why reveal more of your grappling to Islam? This is a free download.” Another suggested the stakes might be higher than they appear: “If he loses, he’s never getting the Islam fight.”
Others have shown enthusiasm for the matchup, with comments ranging from “Arman by murder” to “Would love to see an Arman-Islam grappling match.” Some fans also noted that Tsarukyan is staying active while other contenders remain on the sidelines.
The grappling match will take place at 175 pounds as part of a stacked Karate Combat 54 card. The event also features former UFC fighters Muhammad Mokaev and Sam Alvey, with the latter defending his Karate Combat heavyweight championship against Tyrone Spong in the main event.
For Tsarukyan, this represents an opportunity to showcase his skills and remain in the public eye while his UFC future remains uncertain. Whether this cross-promotion appearance against a member of Team Khabib will help or hinder his path back to a title shot remains to be seen.
