Arman Tsarukyan is preparing to face Georgio Poullas at RAF 06, where he jokingly proposed giving Poullas a job as his bodyguard if he loses the fight. The Armenian lightweight star’s bold offer reflects his confident mindset and continued activity outside the UFC, despite being passed over for recent title opportunities.
Known for his dominant wrestling style and relentless pressure, Tsarukyan has maintained a busy competitive schedule beyond the UFC cage. After missing the chance for an interim lightweight title shot at UFC 324, he secured grappling wins over notable opponents like Mehdi Baydulaev and Benson Henderson in Absolute Championship Berkut Jiu-Jitsu events. In May 2025, he defeated Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10 and most recently earned a technical fall over former PFL champion Lance Palmer at RAF 05. His upcoming bout against Poullas, a skilled wrestler and popular YouTuber known for his ability to avoid takedowns, promises an intense contest at RAF 06.
Tsarukyan Challenges Rival with a Unique Bet at RAF 06
Georgio Poullas has built a reputation as a state-level wrestler who dares challengers with a $1,000 bounty for anyone who can bring him down. Poullas’ victory by technical fall over Keelon Jimison at RAF 05 highlighted his wrestling prowess. During the RAF 06 press conference, Tsarukyan engaged in playful trash talk and presented an unusual prize to Poullas if he loses.
If I beat you, don’t go out with the sign anymore. I’ll change your job, you’re going to be my bodyguard because you have good muscles. I’ll pay good money no worries.
Arman Tsarukyan via RAF 06 press conference
The exchange between the two fighters also featured a verbal spar:
Arman Tsarukyan: “Nobody take you down on the street?”
Georgio Poullas: “This is true.”
Arman: “Wow. Why are you not an Olympic champ?”
Georgio: “Why are you not UFC champ?”
Arman: “Soon, soon.”
Arman Tsarukyan via Twitter interaction
Tsarukyan’s Persistent Activity Outside UFC and Bold Offers
Despite limited appearances in the Octagon recently, Tsarukyan’s competitive spirit remains high. After being overlooked for a title fight, he stayed active under the Real American Freestyle and other organizations, consistently adding victories to his grappling resume. Notably, in December 2025, Tsarukyan offered Sharaputdin Magomedov an apartment in Armenia if he won their grappling match at Hype FC, a challenge which ended in a draw. These actions underscore Tsarukyan’s willingness to raise the stakes in every contest.
Tsarukyan’s financial security allows him to make such bold moves. His wealth is tied to his father, Nairi Tsarukyan, a prominent Armenian business tycoon who owns a construction company. Arman’s luxurious lifestyle, including travel on private jets and dining at top-tier restaurants, provides a backdrop for his larger-than-life personality, enabling him to back talk and make offers that attract attention beyond fight results.
Analysis from UFC Legend on Tsarukyan’s Title Potential
Before UFC 324, Tsarukyan was seen as a prime contender for the lightweight championship, but UFC CEO Dana White confirmed he was sidelined due to past disciplinary issues. Despite this setback, Tsarukyan remains in the lightweight title conversation, especially in his rivalry with current champion Ilia Topuria. Topuria has an undefeated record with highlight knockouts over elite fighters such as Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, and Max Holloway, prompting debate about who poses the most credible threat.
Training alongside UFC legend Demetrious Johnson, Tsarukyan has garnered praise for his skill set and mindset, positioning him as a significant challenger for Topuria’s title.
After training with him, if he fights Ilia Topuria, I think he has the athletic ability, the skillset, the mixed martial artist, and the mindset to be able to beat Ilia Topuria. Does he deserve a title shot over Justin Gaethje? To be honest with you, Arman Tsarukyan should have fought either Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett for the interim title, but he didn’t. By law, the interim champion should be fighting Ilia Topuria next, and that’s a fight that needs to happen. I think Arman Tsarukyan has the best chance in the lightweight division to beat Ilia Topuria.
Demetrious Johnson via YouTube
Demetrious Johnson’s endorsement adds momentum to Tsarukyan’s standing as a formidable lightweight contender. Despite division rivalries and promotional hurdles, Tsarukyan’s combination of wrestling skill, competitive resilience, and growing public profile keeps him poised for potential title contention.
Tsarukyan’s Growing Popularity and UFC Prospects
Tsarukyan’s activity outside the UFC has included collaborating with influencers and streamers, elevating his visibility on social media. These efforts complement his competitive achievements and help maintain public interest, particularly while negotiating his path back into UFC title contention. His rivalry with Ilia Topuria remains a focal storyline, adding tension and anticipation for future lightweight matchups.
The lightweight division is currently headed toward a title defense by Topuria against interim champion Justin Gaethje, but the ongoing call for Tsarukyan’s inclusion indicates his presence will influence future UFC developments. How Tsarukyan’s upcoming performances outside the Octagon translate into official UFC opportunities remains a critical question for fans and insiders alike.
Arman Tsarukyan: "Nobody take you down on the street?"
Georgio Poullas: "This is true."
Arman: "Wow. Why are you not an Olympic champ?"
Georgio: "Why are you not UFC champ?"
Arman: "Soon, soon." pic.twitter.com/SjfBTiU0KQ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 28, 2026
Demetrious Johnson thinks Ilia Topuria's biggest threat is Arman Tsarukyan 👇🏽 #UFC https://t.co/C2aRvwaMCI
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) February 12, 2026
