Arman Tsarukyan submits Indian influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in dominant grappling performance

Arman Tsarukyan has been one of the most active fighters outside the UFC Octagon. Although he hasn't competed in the promotion since November, the top-ranked lightweight has kept himself busy by taking part in wrestling and submission grappling matches.

Just weeks after suffering a narrow loss at RAF 11 in a wrestling bout for the Cruiserweight Crossover Championship against Colby Convington, Tsarukyan returned to action on August 1 in the headliner of Hype Armenia. He faced Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in a submission-only grappling match at Tashir Arena in Yerevan.

The matchup marked Tsarukyan's 12th wrestling or grappling appearance since his last UFC victory over Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar.

Arman Tsarukyan Submits Ankit Baiyanpuria in Under Three Minutes

As expected, top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan put on exactly the kind of dominant performance everyone anticipated. 'Ahalkalakets' displayed his wrestling prowess, slammed Ankit Baiyanpuria, and submitted him via armbar in less than three minutes.

The difference in their level was visible, as it was Baiyanpuria's first grappling match. Despite the loss, the Indian fitness influencer said in his post-match interview that he plans to continue competing in grappling matches, adding that this would not be his first and last appearance.

Following the impressive victory, Tsarukyan used his post-match interview to call out controversial MMA fighter Dillon Danis. It remains to be seen whether the matchup will come to fruition in the coming weeks or months.

As for his UFC career, the Armenian is riding a five-fight winning streak, and many fans and pundits believed that his win over Dan Hooker last November cemented him as next in line for the lightweight title shot. 

That said, Tsarukyan's road back to a title shot hasn't been straightforward. He was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311, but withdrew from the fight. Many believe that the decision hurt his standing with the promotion.

His headbutt at Hooker during their pre-fight faceoff is also cited as a reason the promotion may keep him waiting before granting him another title opportunity. However, rumors have been circulating that he might take on Charles Oliviera at UFC 331. 

Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira Won't Be for BMF Belt

Initially, it was reported that Tsarukyan would face Oliveira at UFC 331 in a five-round fight for the BMF title, which Oliveira won by dethroning Max Holloway earlier this year.

However, according to Brazilian reporter Leo Guimaraes, the BMF title will not be on the line. Guimaraes reported that while the UFC has decided to make the bout a five-round contest, it will not be contested for any championship. He wrote on X:

“What I can also confirm, after verification, is that the UFC’s decision so far is that the matchup will have five rounds, but it won’t be for any title, including the BMF.”

“Initially, the organization had set the fight for just three rounds, and both athletes had even begun preparing based on that expectation. However, the UFC backtracked and opted to turn the bout into a 25-minute fight,” he added.