No. 1-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Arman Tsarukyan may not be competing inside the Octagon at the moment, but he’s staying plenty active on the grappling circuit.
Earlier today (Sat., Dec. 17, 2025), Tsarukyan competed at ACBJJ 20 inside Voleybol’naya Arena Dinamo in Moscow, Russia, where he faced highly touted prospect Mehdi Baydulaev in the All-Star title match. After a tense and physical opening round, Tsarukyan locked up a submission with just 12 seconds remaining, forcing the tap and capturing the promotion’s “Stars Belt.”
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The bout was competitive from the start and quickly turned heated. Within the opening three minutes, both athletes flirted with disqualification. Baydulaev initiated contact with a sneaky elbow while hand-fighting for a collar tie, prompting Tsarukyan to respond with a knee. Baydulaev then fired a teep kick, leading the referee to halt the action and restore order.
Following an extended discussion, officials issued Tsarukyan a yellow card, but allowed the match to continue. Once action resumed, Tsarukyan shifted gears, leaning on his trademark top pressure and positional control to gradually wear Baydulaev down. The relentless pace paid off late in the round, as Tsarukyan advanced position and secured the fight-ending submission.
Watch the finish below:
The grappling appearance marks another busy outing for Tsarukyan, who has competed three times in submission events this year. His most notable matchup came against former UFC Lightweight champion Benson Henderson (watch highlights), adding to his growing resume outside of MMA.
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Inside the Octagon, Tsarukyan fought just once in 2025 — a dominant demolition of Dan Hooker — though he has remained a constant presence in headlines after being passed over for an interim Lightweight title opportunity in favor of Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. UFC CEO Dana White recently brushed off criticism surrounding that decision, telling everyone to stop crying.
ACBJJ 20 also featured several notable current and former UFC fighters. Here are some of the event’s key results:
Amir Albazi def. Rashid Vagabov via decision
Alexander Volkov def. Evgeniy Goncharov via decision
Gleison Tibau def. Damir Ismagulov via submission (combat jiu-jitsu)
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Watch the entire event above.
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