Arman Tsarukyan’s next fight is a wild crossover match in Armenia

Arman Tsarukyan, the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, will step outside the Octagon this weekend for an unusual crossover bout. The Armenian fighter is set to face Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in a submission-only grappling match at Hype Fighting's event in Yerevan, Armenia, on August 1.

Tsarukyan last competed in MMA in November, when he submitted Dan Hooker at UFC 300. That victory capped his return following a layoff after he earned a decision victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in April 2024. While his next UFC appearance remains unconfirmed, the Dagestan-based fighter has stayed active outside the promotion, competing eight times under the Real American Freestyle banner and compiling a 7-1 record in that competition. His sole loss came earlier this month when he was defeated on points by Colby Covington.

Baiyanpuria, by contrast, has built a massive following as one of India's prominent fitness influencers, gaining attention through workout videos, traditional training methods, and lifestyle content. However, he brings no notable professional grappling credentials to the submission-only match, making it a notable mismatch on paper. The bout represents an unconventional booking for a fighter of Tsarukyan's caliber, though it allows him to remain competitive while awaiting his next UFC opportunity.