Arman Tsarukyan’s next bout announced — and it’s not in the UFC

Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, will compete in a submission-only grappling match this Saturday in Armenia, facing Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria. The bout was announced by Hype Fighting via social media.

Tsarukyan has not fought in the UFC octagon since November, when he dominated Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar. That victory ended a 17-month absence following his April 2024 win over former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Prior to his recent activity outside the promotion, Tsarukyan indicated he planned to meet with UFC leadership to discuss his future in the organization, though nothing has materialized publicly since then.

In the interim, the Armenian fighter has remained highly active on the regional scene, competing eight times for RAF (Russian Octagon Fighting). He compiled a 7–1 record in those bouts, with his only loss coming against Colby Covington earlier this month via points decision in a cruiserweight crossover title fight. The submission-only grappling appearance in Armenia represents another detour from his UFC career before any official announcement regarding his return to the organization.