Tsarukyan issues UFC lightweight challenge following wrestling win, answer comes fast

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Arman Tsarukyan made another appearance on the wrestling mats this past Saturday, adding yet another side project to his growing list.

With his status in the UFC lightweight division still a bit uncertain, Tsarukyan has stayed active by taking part in competitions outside of the organisation.

Back in December, the Armenian fighter faced Shara Magomedov under grappling rules. That match ended without a winner after neither could secure a submission.

Having already taken on two matches outside the UFC since his victory over Dan Hooker, ‘Ahalkalakets’ stepped back onto the mats again this Saturday for RAF05, where he faced Lance Palmer.

Arman Tsarukyan calls out Michael Chandler after dominant wrestling win

Tsarukyan’s flawless domination over the four-time All-American wrestler resulted in a decisive 10-0 victory, a performance that utterly shocked former UFC star and RAF commentator Chael Sonnen.

The result added another layer to his growing CV, but it is not just about winning matches for him anymore. He needs to rebuild trust within the UFC hierarchy before being considered for a title shot.

But instead of waiting around or taking another contender fight in the UFC, the Armenian star has set his sights on Michael Chandler, challenging him to a wrestling match.

“I see Michael Chandler calling out somebody he is running from in the UFC,” Tsarukyan said after his dominant win.

“Maybe here he’s not going to be a little girl and he’s going to wrestle with me because his background is wrestling. Here he has a little bit of a chance to win against me, but in the UFC he has zero chance.”

Chandler looks closer than ever to finally securing his long-awaited bout with Conor McGregor. The fight is reportedly being targeted for an upcoming UFC White House event.

Michael Chandler wasted no time responding to Arman Tsarukyan’s callout

The UFC White House event is not set until June 14, which gives Chandler some room to fit in another match beforehand if he wants.

With that in mind, the lightweight was quick to respond from inside the building at RAF05, telling TheSchmo: “Let me just say one thing about Arman Tsarukyan, one thing that I really respect about Arman is even when he’s not fighting in the UFC, he’s staying active.

“With that being said, I would absolutely smash Arman Tsarukyan in a wrestling match, after watching him tonight. I will say he looked really good and really impressive but Lance Palmer didn’t look as good as he should have…

“Arman I will smash you in an RAF wrestling ring. But I’ve got my sights set on something later this summer, I think we all know.”

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