Earlier today, Arman Tsarukyan returned to competition at RAF 06, facing Georgio Poullas in the co-main event. Tensions between the fighters were apparent before the match, following a heated verbal exchange during the lead-up, escalating further during the fight itself. This confrontation set the stage for a chaotic and intense encounter inside the mat.
In the opening round, the two began with a series of slaps rather than traditional wrestling maneuvers, resulting in frustrated reactions, especially from Tsarukyan. His corner was audibly upset and vocally criticized Poullas for his striking tactics during the contest.
“What the f**k is that, I’m gonna knock this fool out bro. I’m gonna f**k this fool up bro”
This outburst was captured from Tsarukyan’s team, expressing their anger as punches were thrown instead of grappling exchanges usually expected in RAF bouts.
Match Developments and the Explosive Final Moments
The scoring reflected Tsarukyan’s control for the majority of the fight, as he led 4-1 after the first two rounds. Despite Poullas gaining some points in the third round, the fight remained close. With Tsarukyan ahead 5-3 in the dying seconds of the last round, Poullas attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful and ultimately lost the fight.
Immediately following his victory, Tsarukyan shocked the audience by pushing Poullas to the floor and delivering punches directly to his face from a dominant position. This act ignited a brawl between both corners, chaotic scenes requiring intervention by security personnel to restore order.
“Full extended version of tonight’s RAF battle between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas 👀 #RAF06”
Post-Fight Sparks Fly as Fighters Exchange Words on Social Media
Following the bout, Tsarukyan used social media to issue a warning to Poullas, expressing his defiant stance with a brief but provocative message.
“Fu*k around and find out 🤷♂️” — Arman Tsarukyan UFC
In response, Poullas replied simply:
“Fu*k you, Arman.”
Mixed Reactions from the MMA World and Community
The brawl sparked widespread reactions within the MMA community, shining a spotlight on Tsarukyan’s controversial actions. UFC middleweight champion and Tsarukyan’s friend, Khamzat Chimaev, was observed with friends in California watching and enjoying the dramatic fight play out live.
“While Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas were getting into their massive brawl at RAF 06, good friend of Arman, Khamzat Chimaev, and friends were watching and enjoying the action back in California 😂 #RAF06”
Notable UFC fighters Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, present at the Mullett Arena, also shared their live reactions to the intense incident, showcasing the event’s shock value and the fury of the fight.
“Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili’s live reaction to Arman Tsarukyan brawl at #RAF06 👀🔥”
Belal Muhammad weighed in on X, capturing the tone of surprise mixed with amusement among fans and fighters alike.
“Arman don’t play haha” — Belal Muhammad
Anthony Pettis expressed his excitement about the event on the same platform.
“RAF is 🔥🔥🔥 😂😂” — Anthony Pettis
MMA reporter Damon Martin gave a straightforward account of the chaos that unfolded after Tsarukyan’s win.
“Arman Tsarukyan wins his match and then tackles Georgio Poullas to the ground and starts punching him, and a full-on melee breaks out” — Damon Martin
Meanwhile, analyst Adam Martin suggested that the aftermath of this incident may influence UFC fighters’ decisions to participate in RAF events going forward.
“lol this is wild, and I honestly think you won’t see UFC fighters doing RAF anymore after this incident” — Adam Martin
Another commentary came from The MMA Guru, who hinted that Tsarukyan’s actions might delay any title shot opportunities despite his status as a leading contender.
“Yeah Arman Tsarukyan we saw what you just did at RAF Wrestling after being taken down by that influencer no title shot for another 2 years kid” — THE MMA GURU
Giorgi Kokiashvili expressed confusion and disappointment over Tsarukyan’s post-fight behavior.
“I don’t know, and I don’t understand why Arman Tsarukyan does such things…” — Giorgi Kokiashvili
Renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani also reacted succinctly to the unexpected turn of events.
“Oh my” — Ariel Helwani
Public Opinion Divided Over Tsarukyan’s Actions
As the dust settled, many fans sided with Tsarukyan, justifying his retaliation against Poullas, who had repeatedly slapped and punched him throughout the fight rather than engaging in legitimate wrestling.
“People are surprised Arman punched him after a match? He 1000% deserved it.” — Magomed Kurbaitaev
Ali Abdelaziz also shared similar views, signaling support for Tsarukyan’s response.
“He deserve it 💪”
Incident’s Potential Impact on Tsarukyan’s Career Aspirations
Tsarukyan’s disruptive conduct follows a pattern of confrontations, including punching a fan at UFC 300 and headbutting Dan Hooker during the UFC Qatar weigh-ins. These incidents could significantly damage his reputation and prospects for a title shot, despite being acknowledged as a top contender in the welterweight division. Promoters and officials may now scrutinize his conduct more carefully, which could delay or derail his championship ambitions.
“pic.twitter.com/crMoAC9QeM”
The drama at RAF 06 exemplifies the high stakes and emotional volatility inside mixed martial arts, where intensity can quickly spill over into controversy, affecting fighters’ careers and the sport’s public perception. Belal Muhammad reacts RAF06 with succinct acknowledgment of the explosive nature of the fight, while the broader MMA community continues to debate the consequences and appropriate conduct following such incidents.
You could hear members of Arman’s Tsarukyan’s team yelling at Georgio Poullas for throwing punches during the match at RAF 06.
“What the f**k is that, I’m gonna knock this fool out bro. I’m gonna f**k this fool up bro” pic.twitter.com/1DM3BsN2Sy
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) March 1, 2026
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2027992173103509638
https://twitter.com/ArmanUfc/status/2028002464738513123
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2027980152681181680
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2027991678314066156
Arman don’t play haha
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) March 1, 2026
RAF is 🔥🔥🔥 😂😂
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) March 1, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan wins his match and then tackles Georgio Poullas to the ground and starts punching him and a full on melee breaks out #RAF6
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) March 1, 2026
lol this is wild, and I honestly think you won’t see UFC fighters doing RAF anymore after this incident https://t.co/enkpQ3ZKPx
— Adam Martin (@MMAdamMartin) March 1, 2026
"Yeah Arman Tsarukyan we saw what you just did at RAF Wrestling after being taken down by that influencer no title shot for another 2 years kid" pic.twitter.com/IPwqUUwb6U
— THE MMA GURU (@THATBOYMMAGURU) March 1, 2026
I don't know and I don't understand why Arman Tsarukyan does such things…#RAF06
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) March 1, 2026
Oh my pic.twitter.com/GVmuqSmVri
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 1, 2026
people are surprised Arman punched him after a match? He 1000% deserved it.
Watch this video https://t.co/PomtuVzmdL
— Magomed Kurbaitaev (@kurbaitaev) March 1, 2026
— SU 🥋 (@Nolimitsu_) March 1, 2026
