Arman Tsarukyan delivered a statement performance at Hype Brazil, but the finish over Muhammad Mokaev quickly became secondary to what happened afterward. Moments after forcing Mokaev unconscious with a rear naked choke, the UFC lightweight contender used the spotlight to call out two major names in combat sports.
Tsarukyan set his sights on newly crowned BMF champion Charles Oliveira while also challenging Brazilian jiu jitsu specialist Dillon Danis to a grappling match. The callouts added another layer to what has already been a chaotic and active stretch for the Armenian fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan finishes Mokaev in grappling main event
Tsarukyan and Mokaev met in the main event of the Hype Brazil card in a ten minute submission only grappling match. On paper, the matchup offered an intriguing clash between two elite wrestlers. In reality, the size difference between the fighters became obvious almost immediately.
Mokaev tried to stay mobile and defend several takedown attempts early in the match. The flyweight contender managed a few scrambles and reversals, but Tsarukyan’s strength and pressure slowly took control of the contest.
As the bout progressed, Tsarukyan worked his way into a dominant position before eventually taking Mokaev’s back. Once the Armenian locked in a rear naked choke, the outcome was almost inevitable.
Mokaev refused to tap and instead attempted to fight through the submission. The decision led to him going unconscious as Tsarukyan maintained the choke until the referee stepped in.
Charles Oliveira becomes Tsarukyan’s main target
Despite the impressive finish, Tsarukyan’s attention quickly shifted toward bigger challenges. During the post match interview, he made it clear that his next goal involves facing Charles Oliveira.
Oliveira recently captured the BMF title after defeating Max Holloway, placing him once again among the most talked about fighters in the lightweight division. Tsarukyan believes a rematch between the two would be a major fight.
The pair already fought once in the UFC in a razor close contest that ended with Tsarukyan winning by split decision. Because of how competitive the bout was, many observers have long believed a rematch would eventually happen.
Tsarukyan now appears eager to make that second meeting a reality.
I want to fight Charles Oliveira next, Tsarukyan said after the victory. I was born ready for this.
He also suggested that the fight could potentially take place in Brazil, which would place him against one of the country’s most popular fighters in front of a passionate crowd.
Tsarukyan eyes BMF belt alongside UFC title ambitions
While discussing a possible fight with Oliveira, Tsarukyan also spoke about his long term goals in the sport.
The lightweight contender has repeatedly stated that he plans to become a UFC champion. However, he also made it clear that he would welcome the chance to compete for the BMF belt as well.
According to Tsarukyan, the grappling match against Mokaev was simply another step while waiting for the right opportunity in the UFC.
This is just a side quest, he said after the match. My goal is the UFC belt.
His recent performances outside the promotion suggest that he is trying to stay active and visible while positioning himself for a high profile return.
Dillon Danis receives direct grappling challenge
Tsarukyan did not limit his ambitions to Oliveira. During the same interview, he also issued a direct challenge to Dillon Danis.
Danis is widely recognized for his Brazilian jiu jitsu credentials and has competed in several grappling contests in recent years. Tsarukyan believes a matchup between them would attract significant attention.
I heard Dillon Danis wants to grapple me, Tsarukyan said. Come on. Let’s make it happen. I won’t give you this title.
The callout did not go unanswered for long. Danis quickly responded on social media and appeared to accept the challenge.
Both fighters are already scheduled to compete at the upcoming Real American Freestyle event in Florida later this month. That scheduling coincidence has increased speculation that their rivalry could develop further in the near future.
Arman Tsarukyan continues busy run outside the UFC
The grappling victory over Mokaev is just the latest moment in what has been an unusually busy stretch for Arman Tsarukyan.
Over the past few months, he has appeared in wrestling matches, promotional events and several media appearances. Some of those outings have created headlines, including a recent altercation during a freestyle wrestling event.
Despite the controversies, Arman Tsarukyan continues to position himself as one of the most active contenders in the lightweight division.
The win over Mokaev demonstrated his grappling dominance against a highly respected wrestler. More importantly, it gave him a platform to call out two well known names in the sport.
Whether the next step involves a rematch with Charles Oliveira or a grappling showdown with Dillon Danis remains uncertain. What is clear is that Tsarukyan is determined to stay in the spotlight while pursuing the biggest fights available.
For a fighter who described the match as a simple side quest, the aftermath may end up shaping the next chapter of his career.
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