Imagine stepping into the ring with a UFC lightweight contender, twice your size, with $20,000 on the line. Sounds insane, right? But that’s exactly what MMA YouTuber MMA Guru attempted recently, going head-to-head with Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling match that had the internet buzzing. And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan, despite being significantly smaller, effortlessly dominated the 6ft3 YouTuber, showcasing why he’s one of the most feared grapplers in the game. But here’s where it gets controversial: Did MMA Guru ever stand a chance, or was this just a publicity stunt? Let’s dive in.
Arman Tsarukyan, the Armenian grappling phenom, is no stranger to high-stakes matches. Fresh off four grappling victories in 2025, he’s set to make his Real American Freestyle debut this Saturday, facing ex-PFL champion Lance Palmer on a card headlined by Colby Covington vs. Luke Rockhold. But that’s not all—Tsarukyan is also in talks to grapple with Dustin Poirier in February, a matchup that has fans and analysts alike speculating wildly. How would Tsarukyan’s relentless ground game fare against Poirier’s experience? That’s a debate for another day.
Before all that, though, Tsarukyan faced an unexpected challenge. During a livestream with Adin Ross, MMA Guru boldly claimed he could take down the UFC star for a $20,000 prize. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well for the YouTuber. Tsarukyan, known for his staggering 75% takedown defense and averaging over three takedowns per UFC fight, made quick work of his opponent. Despite MMA Guru’s size advantage, Tsarukyan effortlessly brushed off his attempts, even throwing him to the ground multiple times. Was this a mismatch, or did MMA Guru underestimate Tsarukyan’s skill?
This brings us to a bigger question: Why isn’t Tsarukyan getting the title shot he deserves? Despite being the top contender and widely regarded as the most deserving, the UFC opted to pit Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje against each other for an interim lightweight belt at UFC 324. Fans are furious, and Tsarukyan himself has voiced his frustration. Dana White recently hinted that Tsarukyan’s weigh-in headbutt against Dan Hooker in Qatar played a role in the decision. But is that a fair justification, or is the UFC sidelining a legitimate threat?
Tsarukyan’s grappling prowess isn’t just hype. Last November, he dominated Dan Hooker in Qatar, securing a submission with ease. He’s also unbeaten in five grappling matches, including victories over former UFC champion Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator titleholder Patricky Pitbull. So, when MMA Guru stepped up, it was less of a contest and more of a masterclass in grappling dominance.
Now, here’s the real question: Could Dustin Poirier pose a greater challenge to Tsarukyan than MMA Guru did? Poirier, a seasoned veteran, would undoubtedly bring a different level of competition. But Tsarukyan’s relentless style and technical precision make him a formidable opponent for anyone. What do you think? Would Poirier stand a chance, or would Tsarukyan dominate yet again?
And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Why is the UFC seemingly avoiding giving Tsarukyan his shot at the title? Is it his past actions, or is there more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s spark a debate!
