UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan added another submission victory to his growing grappling résumé this past weekend, claiming gold at ACBJJ 20 in Moscow.
The top-ranked 155-pounder secured the promotion’s Stars Belt with a dramatic finish against rising prospect Mehdi Baydulaev.
Competing at Voleybol’naya Arena Dinamo on Saturday, December 17, Tsarukyan demonstrated why he remains one of the most technically refined grapplers in his division. The All-Star title bout tested both competitors’ patience and skill, ultimately ending with Tsarukyan locking in a match-ending rear-choke with just 12 seconds remaining in the first round.
The commentators captured the precise moment of the finish: “He’s on the chin with his choke and now he put his forearm on the back of his head. It’s legit, he’s close yep. He gets the top. Armand Tsarukyan submits Mehdi in this fight.”
The path to victory proved anything but straightforward. From the opening moments, both athletes engaged in aggressive collar-tie exchanges that nearly derailed the bout before it truly began.
An elbow landed by Mehdi Baydulaev during hand-fighting prompted an immediate response from Tsarukyan, who answered with a knee. Baydulaev then threw a teep kick, forcing the referee to step between the competitors.
Following a prolonged discussion with officials, Tsarukyan received a yellow card warning. Once competition resumed, the Dagestani-born athlete shifted into calculated mode, utilizing his superior positional awareness and pressure tactics to gradually wear down his opponent. His methodical approach created openings that eventually led to the submission opportunity.
This marks Tsarukyan’s third appearance on the submission grappling circuit in 2025. His commitment to competing outside traditional mixed martial arts includes a previous match against former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson, showcasing his willingness to test himself against high-level opposition in various rule sets.
Inside the Octagon, Tsarukyan has seen limited action this calendar year, with his lone appearance resulting in a commanding performance against Dan Hooker. Despite holding the division’s number one ranking, he was recently overlooked for an interim lightweight title opportunity that went instead to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. UFC CEO Dana White has addressed the controversy surrounding that booking decision.
The ACBJJ 20 card featured several other notable participants from the UFC roster. Amir Albazi earned a decision victory over Rashid Vagabov, while heavyweight Alexander Volkov took a decision win against Evgeniy Goncharov. In combat jiu-jitsu action, veteran Gleison Tibau submitted Damir Ismagulov.
👏🥋 Arman Tsarukyan wins via rear naked choke in ACB BJJ grappling competition.
His proud dad was watching too😅
🎥 ACB pic.twitter.com/u3Ri4UrZZn
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 17, 2025
