Today, Arman Tsarukyan made his return to the wrestling mat in the co-main event of RAF 06, facing off against Georgio Poullas. Tensions were already high before the bout, with both fighters exchanging heated words in the lead-up, only for animosity to escalate further on fight night.
During the first round, the grappling match quickly devolved into a series of open-hand strikes, as both competitors repeatedly traded slaps instead of engaging in wrestling techniques. Tsarukyan visibly grew frustrated, and members of his team were overheard vociferously protesting Poullas’s use of punches during the contest.
After two rounds, “Ahalkalakets” held a 4-1 lead. However, Poullas managed to score some points in the third round. In the final seconds, with Tsarukyan ahead 5-3, Poullas attempted another takedown but failed to secure it. Immediately following the match’s conclusion, the UFC fighter shoved Poullas to the mat and, from a dominant top position, landed a punch to his face. Chaos erupted as both corners became embroiled in a massive brawl before security swiftly intervened to separate the combatants.
Following the dramatic event, Tsarukyan issued a stern warning to Poullas via social media, stating: “Fu*k around and find out 🤷♂️”
Poullas quickly responded with his own defiant message: “Fu*k you, Arman.”
The MMA Community’s Response to Arman Tsarukyan Punching Georgio Poullas at RAF 06
Arman Tsarukyan’s friend and UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev, reacted to the incident at RAF 06. He was reportedly watching the action from California with friends, seemingly enjoying the spectacle.
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili, who had ringside seats at the Mullett Arena, also shared their live reactions to the intense confrontation.
Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad commented on social media: “Arman don’t play, haha”
Anthony Pettis also posted, expressing his excitement: “RAF is 🔥🔥🔥 😂😂”
MMA Reporter Damon Martin described the scene: “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”
Adam Martin expressed concern: “lol this is wild, and I honestly think you won’t see UFC fighters doing RAF anymore after this incident”
The MMA Guru was critical, remarking: “‘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'”
Giorgi Kokiashvili showed bewilderment: “I don’t know, and I don’t understand why Arman Tsarukyan does such things…#RAF06”
Ariel Helwani offered a concise reaction: “Oh my”
Despite some criticism, many fans believed Arman Tsarukyan’s actions were justified, arguing that his opponent had repeatedly resorted to slapping and punching instead of wrestling. One fan commented: “People are surprised Arman punched him after a match? He 1000% deserved it.”
Ali Abdelaziz echoed similar sentiments, stating: “He deserve it 💪”
After previous controversies, including punching a fan at UFC 300 and headbutting Dan Hooker during the UFC Qatar weigh-ins, Arman Tsarukyan’s latest altercation with Georgio Poullas might further jeopardize his immediate prospects for a title shot, despite his standing as a top contender.
