UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan added another win to his grappling résumé on Saturday, submitting Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria with an armbar in the opening minutes of their submission-only main event at Hype Armenia in Yerevan.
Competing under submission-only rules, Tsarukyan immediately closed the distance, secured top position and methodically advanced before isolating Baiyanpuria’s arm. The Armenian locked in an armbar, forcing the tap to end the contest.
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s submission against Ankit Baiyanpuria below:
The bout marked another appearance for Tsarukyan outside the UFC as he continues to stay active through grappling competitions while awaiting his next Octagon assignment.
Ankit Baiyanpuria entered the contest after training in Dagestan
Although best known as one of India’s biggest fitness influencers, Ankit Baiyanpuria did not enter the match without preparation. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Haryana native spent time training in Dagestan, sharpening his wrestling and grappling alongside experienced combat athletes ahead of the biggest challenge of his career.
Despite the additional preparation, Baiyanpuria was facing one of the world’s elite lightweight fighters. Tsarukyan’s extensive wrestling pedigree and high-level submission grappling experience proved decisive, as he controlled the exchanges from the outset before securing the finish.
Reported Charles Oliveira rematch carries major title implications
Tsarukyan’s attention is now expected to shift back to the UFC. Multiple reports indicate that the No. 2-ranked lightweight is set to rematch former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, although the promotion has yet to officially announce the bout.
The pair first met at UFC 300, where Tsarukyan earned a split-decision victory in one of the division’s most competitive contests. A second meeting would carry significant championship implications.
Newly crowned UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is expected to make the first defense of his title later this year. With Oliveira remaining one of the division’s top contenders and Tsarukyan widely regarded as the next elite challenger, a victory at UFC 331 would place the winner in prime position to secure a championship opportunity. Given the depth at 155 pounds, the bout could effectively determine the next challenger for Gaethje’s lightweight crown.
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