Arman Tsarukyan is still waiting for his next UFC assignment, but he’s kept busy outside the octagon with side quests.
And, just recently, he did so by picking up another win in a grappling match in India on Saturday.
The top-ranked lightweight contender, who has spent recent months competing under RAF, traveled overseas to face fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria.
The match lasted less than three minutes, with Tsarukyan taking control on the feet before launching Baiyanpuria into the air with a suplex.
He immediately transitioned into an armbar, and Baiyanpuria tapped just over two minutes in.
The outcome wasn’t a surprise, sure, but Tsarukyan still delivered a memorable finish with the slam-into-submission sequence.
With this match behind him, attention now shifts back to the UFC, where Tsarukyan has been rumored for a major fight later in 2026, though nothing is confirmed.
In his post-fight interview, he expressed interest in a potential future matchup with Dillon Danis.
Riding a five-fight win streak in the division, Tsarukyan is widely viewed as the top contender at 155 pounds, but appears likely to need one more win before a title shot materializes.
Reigning champion Justin Gaethje has named Tsarukyan as a possible future opponent, though Gaethje isn’t expected to compete again until 2027 – a timeline that may be driving Tsarukyan’s push to stay active now ahead of a potential 2027 title run.
Arman Tsarukyan won against the Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria via an armbar pic.twitter.com/wkJ5kSed7Y
— Matysek (@Matysek88) August 1, 2026