Arman Tsarukyan added another victory to his busy 2026 campaign with a commanding performance against Muhammad Mokaev in the main event of Hype Brazil at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro.
The contest was a ten minute submission only grappling match featuring two recognizable UFC names competing outside the promotion. Tsarukyan, a top lightweight contender, entered the bout with a clear size advantage over former flyweight standout Mokaev.
That advantage quickly became evident.
Tsarukyan repeatedly secured top position and controlled the tempo of the match. Mokaev showed early resilience, defending several submission attempts while trying to scramble out of difficult positions. Still, the relentless pressure from Tsarukyan kept him pinned down for much of the contest.
The finish came midway through the round when Tsarukyan capitalized on a front headlock exchange. He transitioned smoothly to Mokaev’s back, locked in both hooks, and secured a tight rear naked choke.
The referee stepped in at 7 minutes and 46 seconds after Mokaev was put to sleep by the choke.
Physical Advantage Proves Decisive
From the opening moments, the difference in size and strength played a key role.
Tsarukyan is accustomed to facing powerful lightweights in the UFC. Mokaev built his career competing in the smaller flyweight division. That contrast showed whenever the two fighters engaged in clinches or scrambles.
Tsarukyan controlled most exchanges on the mat. His pressure allowed him to dictate the match and repeatedly force Mokaev into defensive situations.
Mokaev attempted to stay active with escapes and transitions but rarely found a stable position to attack from.
Once Tsarukyan took the back during the decisive sequence, the outcome felt inevitable. His choke was applied with precision and ended the contest moments later.
Tsarukyan Continues an Active 2026
The win marked Tsarukyan’s third appearance outside the UFC in 2026.
The 29 year old has stayed active in grappling competitions while waiting for his next opportunity inside the Octagon. Earlier this year he defeated Lance Palmer and Giorgio Poullas in wrestling matches under the Real American Freestyle banner.
A rematch with Poullas is already scheduled for later this month.
After the match, Tsarukyan reiterated that he sees himself as the rightful number one contender in the UFC lightweight division. He also mentioned his ambition to capture both the UFC lightweight championship and the BMF title in the future.
He then called out Dillon Danis and former champion Charles Oliveira as potential opponents.
Co Main Event Ends in a Draw
The co main event featured a grappling match between UFC featherweights Jean Silva and Bryce Mitchell.
Silva previously submitted Mitchell with a ninja choke during their UFC meeting earlier in the year. This time the contest unfolded differently.
Both fighters spent much of the ten minute bout battling for positional control without landing a decisive submission attempt. When time expired, the match was declared a draw.
Another grappling matchup between Edson Barboza and Shara Magomedov also ended without a winner.
Chaos Adds to an Unusual Event
While the main event delivered a clear finish, the rest of the card produced several unpredictable moments.
UFC heavyweight Valter Walker served as the event’s ring announcer and frequently became part of the action. During one bare knuckle bout between Mauricio Boni and Leonardo Guimaraes, Walker grew frustrated with the lack of activity.
He issued a countdown over the microphone and eventually stopped the fight entirely due to inactivity.
Later in the evening he encouraged two individuals from the audience to step into the ring for an impromptu fight. One participant turned out to be event security while the other was simply a fan who quickly backed out of the situation.
Another grappling match between Lev Sarkisyan and Joilton Lutterbach descended into chaos with multiple scuffles taking place inside the ring.
Despite the unusual scenes, the event produced a memorable main event performance from Tsarukyan.
Hype Brazil Results
Submission Only Grappling
Arman Tsarukyan def. Muhammad Mokaev via technical submission rear naked choke at 7:46
Jean Silva vs Bryce Mitchell ends in a draw
Edson Barboza vs Shara Magomedov ends in a draw
Lev Sarkisyan vs Joilton Lutterbach ends in a draw
Bare Knuckle Boxing
Victor Felisberto def. Bruno Nascimento via TKO at 1:04 of Round 2
Rafael Brum def. Brendo Lucas via split decision 29 28, 29 28, 27 30
Mauricio Boni vs Leonardo Guimaraes ruled a no contest after the fight was stopped for inactivity
Luan Duarte def. Bruno Almeida via unanimous decision 30 26, 29 27, 29 27
Wallace De Lima def. Carlos Silva via unanimous decision 29 27, 30 26, 30 26
Matheus Rangel def. Paulo Ceara via knockout at 1:57 of Round 1
Guilherme Franca def. Daniel Mega via unanimous decision 29 28, 29 28, 29 28
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