Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas are set to face each other again under the Hype FC promotion, following a controversial bout this past weekend. At RAF 06, Tsarukyan defeated Poullas in a wrestling match marred by repeated fouls, including eye pokes and slaps, which caused multiple stoppages.
The tension between the two fighters boiled over after the fight ended. Tsarukyan lost his composure when he pushed and then punched Poullas, prompting both corners to engage in a heated altercation. This clash has now prompted the scheduling of a submission-only grappling match between the two at Hype FC’s March 11 event in Rio.
Conflict Peaks After Contentious Wrestling Match
The wrestling encounter at RAF 06 showcased intense physicality but was overshadowed by unsportsmanlike conduct from Poullas. Tsarukyan revealed his frustration with the match’s escalation, stating:
“It was a straight punch. I would’ve liked to throw a couple of elbows if there was no referee. If it’s one-on-one, he wouldn’t even say anything because…” – Arman Tsarukyan
This statement underlines Tsarukyan’s irritation with the fouls and the perceived lack of control from officials. The fight’s aftermath was chaotic, with both fighters’ teams clashing, indicating how deeply personal the rivalry has become.
Tsarukyan Plans Grappling Face-Off, Rejects Freestyle Wrestling Rematch
Despite the noisy backdrop, Tsarukyan has made it clear he has no interest in another wrestling match against Poullas. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, he expressed a desire to settle the dispute outside traditional wrestling rules. He said:
“No. If they want to do a rematch, we just gotta fight on the street, even better than a rematch, because I don’t want to fight in freestyle wrestling. If he wants to fight, we can fight anywhere… I need one second to knock him out.” – Arman Tsarukyan
His comments reflect growing animosity and a refusal to engage in what he views as a flawed competitive format. Tsarukyan also criticized the officiating at RAF 06, mentioning that he expected the judges and referee to penalize Poullas more for illegal moves like eye pokes and finger attacks.
Recent Performances and Future Aspirations
Before these bouts, Tsarukyan last competed under the Hype FC banner in December, when he fought UFC middleweight Sharabutdin Magomedov to a draw after six hard-fought minutes with no submissions. The fight showcased Tsarukyan’s wrestling skill, with two takedowns, but neither fighter could secure a finish.
🤼♂️ Arman Tsarukyan and Shara Bullet goes to a DRAW! No one was able to get a submission, Arman got two takedowns. The match lasted only 6 minutes. – Home of Fight
At 29 years old, Tsarukyan has openly declared his intentions to compete for the UFC lightweight championship later this year. Despite the friction with Poullas and recent controversies, he remains in good standing with the UFC and plans to keep active by competing in grappling and wrestling events to enhance his skills and add more accolades to his record.
Implications of Tsarukyan’s Stance and Upcoming Bout
Tsarukyan’s rejection of a wrestling rematch with Poullas highlights his frustration with the wrestling format and officiating, placing a spotlight on tensions within combat sports involving amateur wrestling transitions. The move to a submission-only grappling match at the upcoming Hype FC event could shift the rivalry into a different competitive arena, potentially escalating their conflict but under clearer rules and perhaps less foul play.
This upcoming match will be closely watched, as it poses a test for both fighters’ grappling skills and temperament. Tsarukyan’s willingness to challenge this rivalry openly, even suggesting street fighting, adds a volatile element and raises questions about the sportsmanship and discipline within their ongoing conflict.
Arman Tsarukyan shares what was the last straw in his RAF match against Georgios Poulias that caused him to throw the punch:
"It was a straight punch. I would've liked to throw a couple of elbows if there was no referee. If it's one-on-one, he wouldn't even say anything because… pic.twitter.com/1SipRp4j9c
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 2, 2026
🤼♂️ Arman Tsarukyan and Shara Bullet goes to a DRAW!
No one was able to get a submission, Arman got two takedowns. The match lasted only 6 minutes.
🎥 Hype Fighting pic.twitter.com/s1dOY9eoQL
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 30, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan is not interested in a wrestling rematch with Georgio Poullas:
No, if they wanna do a rematch we just gotta fight on the street. Even better than a rematch.#HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/lP7gDfwpaI
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 2, 2026
