Top-ranked UFC Lightweight fighter Arman Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete again shortly.
His return won`t be the anticipated UFC title bout against champion Islam Makhachev, which Tsarukyan pulled out of at UFC 311 earlier this year due to a sudden back injury.
The 28-year-old earned his title shot through notable victories, including over Beneil Dariush and a close decision win against former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 about a year ago.
With a 9-1 record in his recent ten bouts, Tsarukyan has been inactive since then.
Determined to prove his worth for another shot at Makhachev`s lightweight title, Arman Tsarukyan is stepping outside the usual MMA competition.
Tsarukyan to Compete in Grappling Match at Karate Combat
Reportedly joining the event on short notice, Tsarukyan is set for a grappling contest this Friday, May 2nd, at Karate Combat 54 within their Pit Submission Series.
According to initial reports by Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan will face Makkasharip Zaynukov, an MMA fighter who trains alongside UFC Champion Makhachev.
This grappling bout will take place in Dubai at a catchweight of 175 pounds.
The Tsarukyan vs. Zaynukov match is a recent addition to the Karate Combat 54 lineup, which also includes former UFC fighters like Muhammad Mokaev and features `Smile’n’ Sam Alvey vs. Tyrone Spong as the main event.
Details on Arman Tsarukyan’s Opponent, Makkasharip Zaynukov
Also hailing from Dagestan, similar to his teammate Islam Makhachev, Makkasharip Zaynukov is an MMA fighter holding a professional record of 16 wins and 4 losses.
Zaynukov has competed in various organizations outside the UFC, including UAE Warriors, RCC, and GFC.
He recently debuted in the PFL last October during their Super Fights event, where he secured a win against Dedrek Sanders (9-4 record) in a lightweight division fight.
Only two of Zaynukov`s sixteen victories were achieved via submission. It remains to be seen how Makhachev’s teammate will perform against the highly-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan this Friday.
