Tsarukyan and Poullas Brawl After RAF Wrestling Match

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan explains the backstory behind the viral fight with Georgio Poullas at a recent RAF event.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was involved in a brawl with Georgio Poullas following their wrestling match at a recent RAF event. Tsarukyan explained that Poullas was trying to provoke a fight during the match, illegally punching and attempting to poke Tsarukyan's eyes and break his fingers. After Tsarukyan won the match, he said he waited for the whistle to punch Poullas, feeling he had to retaliate for Poullas' dirty tactics. Tsarukyan said he has no interest in a rematch but would rather invite Poullas to his gym for an MMA sparring session to "kick his ass so bad."

Why it matters

The brawl between Tsarukyan and Poullas highlights the growing trend of MMA fighters crossing over into other combat sports like amateur wrestling, which can lead to heightened tensions and altercations. It also showcases the promotional value of such rivalries for a promotion like RAF, founded by wrestling legends Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.

The details

Tsarukyan and Poullas' wrestling match at RAF 6 was chippy throughout, with Poullas repeatedly trying to provoke Tsarukyan by punching him and attempting illegal moves like eye pokes and finger breaks. After Tsarukyan won the match, he said he waited for the whistle to punch Poullas, feeling he had to retaliate for Poullas' dirty tactics during the bout. The brawl that ensued went viral online.

  • Tsarukyan made his RAF debut in January with a win over Lance Palmer.
  • The Tsarukyan vs. Poullas match took place on Saturday, March 1, 2026 at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A 29-year-old UFC lightweight contender who is ranked #2 in the division. He has become known for his crossover appearances in other combat sports like amateur wrestling.

Georgio Poullas

Tsarukyan's opponent in the viral RAF wrestling match, who attempted to provoke a fight during the bout through illegal tactics.

Hulk Hogan

Wrestling legend and co-founder of the RAF promotion.

Eric Bischoff

Wrestling legend and co-founder of the RAF promotion.

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What they’re saying

“His game plan was just [to] fight during the [match], make hype, and he wanted to do that because the actual [wrestlers], like natural wrestlers, never do that. Because it's disrespectful, and the referee can count you out, but this referee was just taking points from him.”

— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender (The Ariel Helwani Show)

“Maybe 20 times, he's trying to like poke eyes, break my fingers. And I always shared it to the referee and the referee shouldn't [handle it like] that.”

— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender (The Ariel Helwani Show)

“I would like to grapple with him, and then I would like to do MMA sparring with him. I would like to pay him money and say, 'Let's do sparring.' Whatever he wants. I don't want to do it for hype. I just want to do it for me, kick his a** so bad.”

— Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender (The Ariel Helwani Show)

What’s next

Tsarukyan said he has discussed future options with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell, including a potential title fight in September or October after Justin Gaethje. In the meantime, Tsarukyan plans to continue competing in wrestling and grappling events.

The takeaway

The brawl between Tsarukyan and Poullas showcases the growing crossover between MMA and other combat sports, which can lead to heightened tensions and rivalries. While these types of altercations can generate hype, Tsarukyan seems more interested in settling the score privately in a sparring session rather than pursuing an official rematch.