Armenian born, current top ranked lightweight competitor in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Arman Tsarukyan, will step away from the Octagon once again to compete against India’s largest fitness personality, Ankit Baiyanpuria, in a submission only grappling bout at Hype Fighting’s event located at Tashir Arena in Armenia on Saturday. This crossover fight will serve as the main event of that card.
Tsarukyan was one of the top ranked lightweights in the world and has remained active outside of the UFC during the wait for his next UFC assignment.
He recently competed under the RAF banner where he lost by points decision to former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington, after competing in several grappling and wrestling competitions and winning all of them.
On the other side of the ring will be Baiyanpuria, who is also known as one of the largest fitness influencers in India. A native of Haryana, Baiyanpuria, gained fame through posting traditional workout routines, desi wrestling inspired training videos and fitness challenges on social media.
With over eight million followers across all platforms, Baiyanpuria will have the biggest test of his professional career when he takes on Tsarukyan in the grappling match.
The matchup is part of Hype Fighting’s latest event which combines submission-only grappling contests and bare knuckle fights.
This matchup has divided fans online. While some believe that the match is an opportunity for Tsarukyan to improve and refine his elite wrestling and submission skills while staying active between UFC appearances.
Others believe that the frequent cross over matches are becoming unnecessary distractions as he waits to see what his next move will be in the UFC title picture.
Although no official announcement has been made by the UFC regarding his next fight, the grappling showdown gives fans another chance to watch one of the division’s most accomplished wrestlers before he returns back to mixed martial arts competition.
2026-07-28 22:36:00
