Covington Accuses Tsarukyan of Lying About Training Sessions

Fighters could face off in wrestling match at upcoming RAF event

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:51pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting two MMA fighters locked in a grappling pose, their bodies broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted earth tones, capturing the competitive energy of their rivalry.The brewing rivalry between Covington and Tsarukyan could lead to a high-stakes wrestling match that captures the raw intensity of elite MMA competition.Coconut Creek Today

UFC welterweight Colby Covington has doubled down on his claims that he dominated rising lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan during sparring sessions when they trained together at American Top Team in Florida. However, Tsarukyan has denied Covington's allegations, saying they never trained together. The two fighters could now be on a collision course for a wrestling match at an upcoming RAF event, where they have both expressed interest in competing.

Why it matters

This dispute between two top MMA fighters highlights the competitive nature of the sport and the importance of training partners and sparring sessions. If Covington and Tsarukyan do end up facing off, it would be a highly anticipated matchup between two elite grapplers.

The details

Covington (17-5) recently claimed that he 'schooled' the younger Tsarukyan (23-3) when they trained together at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. However, Tsarukyan has denied these allegations, saying he has never trained with Covington. Covington has accused Tsarukyan of lying about their training sessions, saying the lightweight fighter is now in his prime and 'feels like he is unbeatable.' Both fighters have expressed interest in a potential wrestling match at an upcoming RAF event.

  • Tsarukyan defeated Georgio Poullas in the main event at RAF 7 on Saturday, March 30, 2026.
  • Covington defeated Dillon Danis on the co-main event of the same RAF 7 card.

The players

Colby Covington

A UFC welterweight fighter with a 17-5 professional record.

Arman Tsarukyan

A rising UFC lightweight contender with a 23-3 professional record.

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What they’re saying

“He's lying about it because he was a young kid at that time... Now he is in his prime, he feels like he is unbeatable.”

— Colby Covington, UFC Fighter

What’s next

Covington and Tsarukyan could potentially face off in a wrestling match at an upcoming RAF event, where both fighters have expressed interest in competing.

The takeaway

This dispute between Covington and Tsarukyan highlights the competitive nature of elite MMA fighters and the importance they place on training sessions and sparring partners. If the two do end up facing off, it would be a highly anticipated matchup between two of the sport's top grapplers.