“Dominant performance from Arman Tsarukyan, over the, admittedly, much smaller man,” remarked an observer following the intense grappling match held at Hype Brazil in the Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, on March 11, 2026. Tsarukyan, a prominent figure in the lightweight division, faced Muhammad Mokaev, who was a late replacement for the event.

In a striking display of skill, Tsarukyan defeated Mokaev via technical submission with a rear-naked choke at 7:46 of the first round. The match was part of the Hype Fighting event series, which has gained popularity for showcasing high-level grappling competitions. Tsarukyan’s victory was particularly notable given the significant size difference, with an approximate weight disparity of 30 pounds between the two fighters.

Tsarukyan, who has been overlooked for a title shot in the UFC, expressed his gratitude towards the organization for allowing him to compete in this match. “Tsarukyan thanks the UFC for letting him do this, then says he’s the No. 1 contender, and knows that soon he’s going to hold the UFC belt and the BMF belt,” he stated after the match, signaling his aspirations for championship glory.

Mokaev, previously a flyweight competitor in the UFC with an impressive 7-0 record before leaving the promotion in 2024, faced a challenging transition to grappling. Despite his background, he struggled against Tsarukyan, who has excelled in grappling since April 2024, winning seven out of eight bouts during that period. Mokaev’s lack of experience in grappling competitions in 2024 was evident, as he was unable to secure a victory in this match.

The match showcased Tsarukyan’s grappling prowess, as he managed to secure one hook while applying the rear-naked choke, ultimately leading to Mokaev’s submission. “Mokaev does not tap and Arman puts him out!” noted a commentator, highlighting the intensity of the encounter. Tsarukyan’s performance reinforced his status as a top contender in the lightweight division.

Following the match, Tsarukyan called out notable fighters Dillon Danis and Charles Oliveira, signaling his intent to challenge the best in the sport. His recent performances have positioned him as a formidable opponent, and his victory over Mokaev may serve as a stepping stone towards a future title shot.

In the lead-up to this match, Tsarukyan had previously been granted a title shot in January 2025 but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury. His return to competition has been marked by a series of grappling events, with Tsarukyan participating in four grappling competitions last year and two in 2026. As he continues to build momentum, the MMA community will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds in the coming months.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding Tsarukyan’s next steps, but his recent victory has undoubtedly put him back in the spotlight as a contender in the lightweight division.

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“Dominant performance from Arman Tsarukyan, over the, admittedly, much smaller man,” remarked an observer following the grappling match held on March 11, 2026, at the Hype Brazil event in the Farmasi Arena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Tsarukyan showcased his grappling expertise by defeating Muhammad Mokaev via technical submission with a rear-naked choke at 7:46 of the first round.

This match marked a significant moment for Tsarukyan, a top fighter in the lightweight division, who has been striving for recognition in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. Mokaev, who previously competed as a flyweight in the UFC, was a late replacement for this match, stepping in to face Tsarukyan. The size difference was notable, with Tsarukyan weighing approximately 30 pounds more than Mokaev, which played a crucial role in the outcome.

Tsarukyan’s victory was not just a testament to his grappling skills but also a reflection of his recent form. Since April 2024, he has competed in eight grappling bouts, winning seven of them. This match was part of the Hype Fighting event series, where Tsarukyan aimed to further establish his credentials in grappling after being overlooked for a lightweight title shot in the UFC.

After the match, Tsarukyan expressed gratitude towards the UFC for allowing him to participate, stating, “Tsarukyan thanks the UFC for letting him do this, then says he’s the No. 1 contender, and knows that soon he’s going to hold the UFC belt and the BMF belt.” His confidence was evident as he called out notable fighters Dillon Danis and Charles Oliveira, signaling his ambitions for future matchups.

Mokaev, who had an impressive 7-0 record in the UFC before leaving the promotion in 2024, faced a challenging transition to grappling. Despite his previous success, he was unable to secure a win in this bout, marking his first grappling competition in 2024. The match highlighted the differences in their grappling experience, with Tsarukyan having competed in four grappling events last year alone.

The bout concluded with Tsarukyan applying a rear-naked choke, with one hook in place, effectively putting Mokaev out. The decisive nature of the victory has raised questions about Mokaev’s future in grappling, as he has yet to secure a win in this discipline this year.

As Tsarukyan continues to push for a title shot, the MMA community will be watching closely to see how his career unfolds following this impressive performance. With two RAF events already under his belt in 2026 and a strong grappling record, he is positioning himself as a formidable contender in the lightweight division.

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