In the lead-up to his match against Georgio Poullas at RAF06, Arman Tsarukyan has made an unusual request, offering $5000 to bypass the mandatory pre-fight weigh-in. Tsarukyan, the UFC’s top lightweight contender, last fought in November, securing a win over Dan Hooker, but has since focused on grappling and wrestling activities outside the Octagon.
Though Tsarukyan has remained active in the grappling scene, this Saturday’s Real American Wrestling event marks his return to competitive mats. However, his recent social media presence, largely driven by consuming large quantities of oversized food, has raised doubts about his current fight weight. He appears concerned he may exceed the 185-pound middleweight limit set for this wrestling match, which contrasts with his customary 155-pound division in UFC competition.
Dialogue Surrounding the Weigh-In Negotiation
At a backstage meeting during the RAF06 press conference, Tsarukyan directly addressed the issue with Poullas, proposing a financial incentive to avoid the weigh-in process altogether.
You want $5000. I’ll get you $5000 and don’t even show my weight,
Tsarukyan stated.
$5000 to just weigh in at whatever?
Poullas asked.
I’ll get you $5000 and whatever my weight is now,
Tsarukyan confirmed.
How much do you weigh now?
Poullas inquired.
Who gives a f—? Bro, I’m maximum 178lbs,
Tsarukyan replied.
Despite Tsarukyan’s claim of weighing no more than 178 pounds, the bout’s middleweight classification would not require him to lose weight. This raises questions about the seriousness or strategy behind offering money to skip the weigh-in.
Additional Financial Stakes Raised Before the Competition
The $5000 offer is not the only wager in place between the two competitors. Tsarukyan and Poullas have agreed to a $10,000 bet on the outcome of their match, reflecting the tension and confidence levels leading into their encounter.
As of right now, me and Arman came to an agreement of a bet worth $10,000 on the match winner. I think there may be a bit more talking about betting during the press conference,
Poullas disclosed during the pre-fight press event.
Tsarukyan’s unusual approach to the weigh-in and the high-stakes bet underscore the growing intensity and unpredictability of this wrestling matchup. How these factors will influence their performance remains to be seen, but the bout at RAF06 is attracting significant attention due to these tensions and financial incentives tied to the fight outcome.
