UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan proved exactly why he sits near the top of the world’s most competitive combat sports division, submitting Indian fitness sensation Ankit Baiyanpuria in a 10-minute grappling match.
The matchup was a true David vs. Goliath scenario. Ankit Baiyanpuria, widely known across India for his motivational fitness content and his famous 75-day challenge that inspired millions, stepped into the grappling arena with just 10 days of training under his belt.
On the other side stood Tsarukyan, a seasoned mixed martial artist whose ground game has been tested at the highest levels of professional competition. The odds were stacked heavily against the Indian social media star from the start.
The action started immediately. Tsarukyan wasted no time asserting his dominance on the mat, taking Baiyanpuria down within the first 30 seconds of the contest. From there, the UFC contender worked methodically to establish control, hunting for a neck submission from advantageous positions on the ground.
Baiyanpuria, to his credit, battled out of that first takedown, showing heart and determination that drew immediate praise from those watching.
Tsarukyan secured a second takedown and again went to work looking to end the match. The 10-minute contest saw Baiyanpuria repeatedly trying to get back to his feet, figh ting the submissions being set up, and refusing to give in easily.
At one point, Tsarukyan was close to locking in a choke, but Baiyanpuria managed to free his hand and survive the moment, drawing loud encouragement from the crowd and those watching online.
Despite waving off multiple submission attempts and showing genuine grit throughout the match, Baiyanpuria was ultimately unable to escape Tsarukyan’s relentless pressure and technical superiority. The tap came, and Tsarukyan got the finish.
What made the match memorable, however, was not only the result but the performance Baiyanpuria put together with such a short window of preparation. He held his own for stretches against a man who competes regularly at the top of the UFC’s 155-pound division.
For someone without a grappling background, surviving as long as he did against that level of competition spoke to his athleticism and the competitive spirit he has displayed throughout his public life.
Tsarukyan walked away with the submission victory, but Ankit Baiyanpuria walked away with something too: a new level of respect from fans and followers who watched him compete on a global stage.
