Arman Tsarukyan to Face Indian Fitness Influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria in Submission-Only Grappling Match on August 1

Arman Tsarukyan is not taking any time off. Fresh off his competitive showing against Colby Covington at RAF 11, the UFC’s top lightweight contender has a submission-only grappling match booked for August 1 against Indian fitness influencer and emerging combat sports figure Ankit Baiyanpuria.

Who Is Ankit Baiyanpuria?

Ankit Baiyanpuria is one of the most recognisable fitness personalities in India, having built a massive following through an authentic online presence rooted in traditional desi fitness culture. He rose to widespread fame after completing the 75 Hard Challenge and documenting the process publicly, which resonated deeply with millions of followers across social media.

His background includes wrestling, which forms the foundation of his athletic identity and makes a grappling contest the most natural crossover format for his first major combat sports appearance against an elite MMA fighter.

Arman Tsarukyan’s Submission Grappling Credentials

‘Ahalkalakets’ is not just an elite MMA fighter on the mats. His submission-only grappling record speaks for itself across six matches. He has five wins and one draw, with victories over names including Muhammad Mokaev via rear-naked choke at Hype FC in Brazil in March 2026, Benson Henderson via arm-triangle choke at ACBJJ 18 in September 2025, Patricky Pitbull Freire via rear-naked choke at ADXC 10 in May 2025, and Mehdi Baydulaev via rear-naked choke at ACBJJ 20 in December 2025. His only blemish on the grappling record is a draw against Sharabutdin Magomedov in Armenia at the end of 2025.

Ankit Baiyanpuria stepping onto the mat against someone with this level of submission grappling experience is a significant challenge regardless of his wrestling background, and the August 1 matchup will generate enormous interest across Indian combat sports audiences.

Adding another layer to the occasion, Arman Tsarukyan enters as the reigning Hype FC champion, meaning August 1 will effectively serve as a title defence on the grappling stage.

Also read: Could UFC 330 Be the Final Fight of Islam Makhachev’s Career?

About The Author

Chynelle Dirksz

A sports enthusiast turned writer, I bring a multi-sport perspective to my coverage. From playing basketball, handball, and throwball to competing as an athlete, sport has always been at the core of who I am, and writing became the natural way to channel that passion.

At To The Lane And Back, I cover Tottenham Hotspur, focusing on transfers, academy developments, and everything in between. I also write about UFC and MMA for UFCDailyNews.com, a site I designed, covering breaking news, fight analysis, and the latest developments in combat sports.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably being outsmarted by my two Labradors.

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