Arman Tsarukyan captured another non-UFC win earlier today (Fri., Sept. 9, 2025) at ACBJJ 18 LIVE on YouTube from Moscow, Russia, choking former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson to sleep.
Tsarukyan, 28, is still ranked No. 2 in the UFC’s lightweight division. The talented grappler is currently riding a four-fight UFC win streak, but he hasn’t competed since April 2024 due to last-second injuries and stalled negotiations with the promotion. Tsarukyan ended up in the UFC’s doghouse earlier this year and it hasn’t helped his goal of fighting for a world title (although he did serve as a title fight backup at UFC 317).
In the interim, Tsarukyan has turned to submission grappling as a way to stay active and hone is skills as a fighter. After all, Tsarukyan can’t go out and fight for another MMA promotion because he remains under contract with UFC. The lightweight contender is doing everything he can to remain busy and returned to the mats on Friday for a clash with Henderson, who is a former UFC lightweight champion and one of the more seasoned veterans in combat sports.
Tsarukyan ended up taking Henderson’s back after about five minutes of action. He worked hard for a rear-naked choke and face crank, but “Smooth” was playing good defense. A few minutes later and Tsarukyan was able to lock up a tight arm-triangle choke from top control. Henderson attempted to fight it off, but it was in too deep. The former UFC lightweight champion eventually went to sleep and Tsarukyan walked away with his third grappling win of 2025.
