The tension between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas isn’t just for show. Their rematch at RAF07 is the result of a rivalry that’s only grown since their first encounter.
Tsarukyan and Poullas first clashed earlier this year, with things boiling over into a brawl after the match. The bad blood hasn’t faded, and it was clear again during Friday’s press conference, where the two didn’t hold back.
One comment from Poullas, in particular, stood out. Responding to Tsarukyan’s reminder about an unpaid bet from RAF06, Poullas replied: “You give me a date with your girlfriend Nina (Drama) and I’ll give you the $10k.”
Nina Drama reacts after being pulled into Georgio Poullas’ pre-fight remarks
Tsarukyan didn’t take long to hit back at Poullas, calling him out for bringing personal matters into the build-up to the main event.
“My girlfriend? Guys, you never ask about family,” Tsarukyan said. “Don’t ask about family, moms, sisters, and girls too. If someone gonna talk about that, you’re going to be dead.
“I don’t care if this is RAF or UFC belt. If you’re gonna touch my family, you’re going to be dead and you too, shut your mouth and be respectful for the girls, okay? You can talk about me but not my friends,” he added.
Poullas didn’t just hear it from Tsarukyan though. After the press conference wrapped up, Nina Drama herself addressed the issue directly with him.
The exchange was captured live on her Kick stream:
“What was that? It was a sh—- promo, respectfully. It was disrespectful. The part where you mentioned me up there, it was disrespectful,” she said, with the confrontation being broadcast on her Kick stream.
“You were nice in the lobby, and I took a picture,” she continued. “I was trying to be really respectful, but I didn’t like that s—. I didn’t like it.”
Poullas did apologise during their conversation in person and later took to social media again to clarify his intentions publicly.
Security boost extends beyond main event for RAF07
Security has been tightened for Tsarukyan vs Poullas 2 on March 28, following the events of RAF06.
That extra security could also come in handy for the co-main event, which features Colby Covington and Dillon Danis, two figures who have a history of stirring controversy in combat sports.
The pair nearly came to blows at the press conference ahead of their bout at the Yuengling Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where similar tensions are expected to rise again.
Kyle Dake, Wyatt Hendrickson, and Pat Downey will also feature on what is shaping up to be a busy night for Real American Freestyle.
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