Live blog: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Muhammad Mokaev

The event, hosted by Hype Brazil, was marred by a series of unconventional occurrences and pre-match tensions, contributing to a tumultuous atmosphere. Reports from the venue indicated an impromptu fight had taken place earlier in the evening, alongside contentious statements attributed to in-ring announcer Valter Walker, and an incident that nearly escalated into a brawl. These circumstances underscored the volatile backdrop against which the main event unfolded, making Tsarukyan’s decisive victory a focal point amidst the disarray.

Arman Tsarukyan, currently one of the top-ranked mixed martial arts fighters globally, has been navigating a period outside the immediate UFC lightweight title picture. Despite his elite standing in MMA, the competitive landscape of the UFC’s 155-pound division has prompted Tsarukyan to explore alternative combat sports engagements. In the preceding year, Tsarukyan reportedly participated in four distinct grappling events, showcasing his commitment to honing his ground skills and maintaining competitive activity. Furthermore, earlier this year, he had already competed in two events under the Russian Grappling Federation (RAF) banner, indicating a consistent pursuit of grappling challenges. This match against Mokaev marked his latest foray into the grappling arena, a strategic move to remain sharp and versatile while awaiting his next significant UFC opportunity.

Opposing Tsarukyan was Muhammad Mokaev, a fighter who had previously established himself as a top contender in the UFC’s flyweight division. Mokaev’s tenure with the UFC concluded in 2024, despite an unblemished 7-0 record within the promotion, as the organization reportedly did not renew his contract. Since his departure from the UFC, Mokaev has continued his professional mixed martial arts career in other organizations, adding three more victories to his undefeated MMA record, which now stands at an impressive 10-0. However, his transition into pure grappling competitions has presented a different challenge. Mokaev entered Wednesday’s contest with an 0-2 record in his two grappling bouts contested in 2024, highlighting a different skill set required for submission-only formats. Facing Tsarukyan, a larger and more experienced grappler, Mokaev was widely expected to contend with a significant size and strength disparity, an uphill battle he sought to overcome for his inaugural grappling win.

Prior to the commencement of the main event, an unexpected moment of contention arose. Tsarukyan publicly accused Mokaev of "greasing," a practice where fighters apply substances to their skin to make themselves more slippery and difficult to control. This accusation led to a brief halt in proceedings as Mokaev’s corner was instructed to towel him down, addressing the complaint before the match could officially begin.

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As the 10-minute submission-only match commenced, the physical differences between the two athletes became immediately apparent, albeit not as pronounced as some observers might have anticipated given their respective MMA weight classes. While Tsarukyan, a lightweight in MMA, was notably thicker and possessed a clear strength advantage, Mokaev, typically a flyweight, displayed surprising resilience in the initial exchanges. Tsarukyan immediately sought to impose his will, initiating a front headlock sequence that led to Mokaev being taken down. However, Mokaev demonstrated quick recovery, promptly returning to his feet. Tsarukyan then transitioned into a bodylock, forcing Mokaev to roll defensively, but the maneuver still resulted in Tsarukyan securing a dominant top-half guard position.

Mokaev, known for his relentless pace and scrambles, utilized underhooks effectively to recompose his guard, attempting to create space and prevent Tsarukyan from advancing. Despite Mokaev’s efforts, Tsarukyan’s superior physical mass and technical acumen allowed him to relentlessly pursue smash passes, repeatedly driving into half guard. Mokaev’s speed and agility were evident as he consistently recomposed his guard, preventing Tsarukyan from fully clearing his legs. Tsarukyan, however, remained persistent, smashing through to the opposite side, only for Mokaev to effectively deploy butterfly hooks, temporarily forcing Tsarukyan back to a standing position.

The cycle of Tsarukyan pressing from the top and Mokaev defending with dexterity continued. Tsarukyan again moved to a dominant top position, smashing into half guard, with Mokaev maintaining a knee shield to protect himself. Tsarukyan eventually succeeded in transitioning to side control, a pivotal moment in the match. Mokaev, refusing to concede a disadvantageous position, rolled to his knees, prompting Tsarukyan to secure a front headlock. Mokaev’s subsequent movement allowed Tsarukyan an opportunity to spin to his back, but Mokaev skillfully dropped to his back again, returning Tsarukyan to top half guard.

Tsarukyan maintained suffocating control from the top, his heavy pressure dictating the pace of the grappling exchange. Mokaev’s defense remained commendable, as he continually re-guarded and scrambled to avoid prolonged exposure. The pattern repeated: Mokaev would roll to his knees, Tsarukyan would secure a front headlock, attempt a back take, only for Mokaev to transition back to his guard or belly down. Mokaev’s nimbleness proved challenging for Tsarukyan to convert the headlock into a backpack position or mount, but Tsarukyan’s relentless offensive flow never ceased.

In a crucial turning point, after another cycle of Mokaev returning to his back, Tsarukyan managed to pin an arm, creating the necessary opening to advance to mount. From this high mount, Tsarukyan postured, seemingly baiting Mokaev into a reaction, but Mokaev remained defensively tight. Tsarukyan then attempted to step off to the side, with Mokaev following the movement, which allowed Tsarukyan to swiftly sneak in a D’Arce choke attempt. Mokaev, however, recognized the danger and turned away, thwarting the submission.

Undaunted, Tsarukyan continued his relentless assault, spinning around Mokaev, maintaining constant offensive pressure. Mokaev’s pace appeared to slow under the persistent pressure, enabling Tsarukyan to effortlessly transition back to side control. Signifying his intent, Tsarukyan then moved towards mount. Mokaev, diving under to his knees in a desperate attempt to escape, inadvertently exposed his back. Tsarukyan capitalized instantly, securing the back position. As Mokaev attempted to roll defensively, Tsarukyan maintained control, sinking in a rear-naked choke. With the choke secured deep under the chin, Mokaev was unable to tap, and the pressure from Tsarukyan rendered him unconscious, resulting in a technical submission.

Official Decision:
Arman Tsarukyan def. Muhammad Mokaev via Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) – 7:46, Round 1

Following the dominant victory, Valter Walker, the in-ring announcer, conducted a post-fight interview with Arman Tsarukyan, who proudly displayed a large championship belt on his shoulder. Tsarukyan expressed gratitude to the UFC for permitting him to compete in the grappling event. He then confidently declared himself the number one contender in the UFC lightweight division, asserting his belief that he would soon hold both the undisputed UFC lightweight title and the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) belt.

Tsarukyan extended a word of thanks to his opponent, Muhammad Mokaev, acknowledging Mokaev’s smaller stature but commending his strong defensive efforts throughout the bout. In a notable moment, Tsarukyan proceeded to issue a challenge to prominent grappling figure Dillon Danis for a future grappling match. He further articulated his desire to remain highly active in combat sports, aiming to collect various championship belts across different disciplines. Concluding his post-fight address, Tsarukyan then called out former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, proposing a fight against him under the Hype banner "whenever." The callouts underscore Tsarukyan’s ambition to solidify his status as a multi-faceted combat athlete while keeping his name prominent in the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts and grappling.

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