UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is set to face Bellator veteran Patricky “Pitbull” Freire in a highly anticipated grappling match scheduled for May 31st in Moscow, according to an announcement from ADXC officials.
This exhibition match comes at an interesting time in Tsarukyan’s career as he navigates his position in the UFC’s lightweight division. Currently ranked number one in the division, Tsarukyan has been vocal about his frustrations with recent offers from the promotion.
“I’m the number one ranked fighter, and they offer me to fight against a top 10? The UFC pissed me off by offering me such an opponent. For me, it’s disrespectful,” Tsarukyan told Sport24 in a recent interview, referring to a proposed bout against Mateusz Gamrot.
The Armenian-Russian fighter was originally scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 earlier this year, but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury just before the event. Since then, his relationship with the UFC has reportedly deteriorated.
“I’m not saying give me a title shot, but at least give me a fight with a real contender,” Tsarukyan stated, making it clear he’s holding out for higher-ranked opponents.
While waiting for his next UFC booking, Tsarukyan has kept active in grappling competitions. He recently secured a unanimous decision victory at the Pit Submission Series, though observers noted it was a closely contested affair with limited action. The event announcer declared, “Armand Sarayokin gets it done here in our Pit Submission Series. The closer of the takedown attempts, a narrow victory, but a victory nonetheless.”
The upcoming match against Pitbull presents an opportunity for Tsarukyan to showcase his grappling skills against an established MMA veteran while he waits to see how the UFC lightweight title picture develops, particularly with Ilia Topuria set to challenge for the belt at UFC 317 in June.
Tsarukyan has expressed interest in facing the loser of the upcoming title fight or other top contenders like Dan Hooker or Justin Gaethje, maintaining that his focus remains on eventually securing UFC lightweight gold.
