Arman Tsarukyan accepts UFC BJJ challenge after matchmaker phone call

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Even away from the Octagon, the UFC star isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Now, he’s gearing up for a grappling match under the UFC banner.

Since stepping away from his last fight in the UFC, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has already taken part in seven matches outside the organisation, with his profile continuing to rise.

At RAF08, he went up against Urijah Faber in a match that was moved to main event status after Henry Cejudo pulled out of his bout with Merab Dvalishvili at the last minute.

Tsarukyan ended up taking control of the contest, winning by technical fall after forcing Faber off the mat and into the crowd in an unusual turn of events.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Tsarukyan confirms UFC BJJ matchup against Mikey Musumeci

Tsarukyan is still waiting to be booked for his next UFC appearance, even though he’s the clear top contender in the division.

While he waits, he’s staying active outside the Octagon and not slowing down his pace.

Earlier this year, UFC BJJ champion Mikey Musumeci called him out, and matchmaker Claudia Gadelha showed interest in putting the bout together.

The 29-year-old has since confirmed that the fight will take place later this year, either in August or September.

“Yeah, it’s a real thing, it’s probably gonna be in August or September. I wanna do that. I gotta do one grappling before him because it’s new rules. I’ve gotta see how it works,” Tsarukyan told Ariel Helwani.

Under UFC BJJ rules, Tsarukyan will need to compete in one preliminary match before facing Musumeci for the title shot.

The event will be headlined by newly signed UFC heavyweight Gable Steveson taking on former Octagon fighter Alexandr Romanov.