Arman Tsarukyan showed once again why he is considered one of the most dangerous lightweights in combat sports. At ACBJJ 18 in Moscow, the UFC contender defeated former lightweight champion Benson Henderson with a crushing arm-triangle choke, putting the veteran out cold in the closing minute of their grappling superfight.
Arman Tsarukyan vs Benson Henderson: ACBJJ 18 Results
From the opening exchange, Tsarukyan controlled the tempo. He immediately attacked with front headlocks, mixing in D’Arce and anaconda choke setups while keeping Henderson on the defensive. Henderson, a decorated black belt and former UFC lightweight titleholder, survived the early sequences but struggled to mount offense of his own.With just over a minute left, Tsarukyan transitioned smoothly from top control and locked in the decisive arm-triangle choke. Henderson attempted to resist but quickly went unconscious, forcing the referee to stop the match via technical submission. The finish marked one of the most decisive moments of ACBJJ 18.
Tsarukyan’s Grappling Momentum in 2025
This victory is Tsarukyan’s third grappling win of the year. He previously defeated Patricky “Pitbull” Freire via rear-naked choke at ADXC 10 and earned a decision against Makkasharip Zaynukov. These performances have kept him sharp during his break from MMA while showcasing his ability to adapt seamlessly between cage and mat.The 27-year-old has not competed in the UFC since UFC 300 in April 2024, when he earned a split-decision victory over Charles Oliveira. He was originally booked to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January 2025 but was forced to withdraw after suffering a back injury during weight cutting.
Benson Henderson’s Effort Against a Rising Force
At 41, Henderson entered the match with a wealth of grappling and MMA experience, but the pace and transitions of Tsarukyan proved too much. Henderson defended intelligently for most of the contest yet could not prevent the late choke that sealed the result.Despite the loss, Henderson’s willingness to step in against a top lightweight contender highlights his competitive spirit and continued presence in the grappling circuit after retiring from MMA in 2023.
What’s Next for Arman Tsarukyan?
With another statement win on the mats, Arman Tsarukyan’s grappling dominance strengthens his case for a UFC title shot once he returns to the Octagon. His blend of wrestling, submission threats, and relentless pressure has positioned him as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division.If he stays healthy, Tsarukyan could soon resume his pursuit of UFC gold. For now, his win over Benson Henderson at ACBJJ 18 reinforces his standing as one of the most complete fighters in the sport, equally dangerous in grappling tournaments and inside the UFC Octagon.
The ACBJJ 18 grappling match between Arman Tsarukyan and Benson Henderson will be remembered for its dramatic finish. Tsarukyan’s arm-triangle choke was a statement of intent: he remains a force in combat sports, and his return to UFC action is currently one of the most awaited storylines in the lightweight division.
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