Arman Tsarukyan Defends RAF 6 Brawl, Blames Opponent’s Tactics for Post-Match Chaos

Arman Tsarukyan says he should not be blamed for the altercation that broke out following his wrestling match against Georgio Poullas at RAF 6, insisting his actions were a reaction to what he described as constant illegal tactics and disrespectful behavior throughout the contest. The incident occurred moments after Tsarukyan secured victory, when tensions that had built during the match erupted into a brief but chaotic confrontation involving both fighters’ teams, security personnel, and event officials.

According to Tsarukyan, the match was unusually aggressive from the start. He claimed Poullas repeatedly used strikes, slaps, and rough hand-fighting techniques that went beyond normal wrestling exchanges. While physical contact is common in grappling competitions, Tsarukyan argued that his opponent crossed the line by throwing punches and attempting eye pokes and finger manipulation multiple times. He said he repeatedly alerted the referee, but officials only issued warnings and point deductions instead of stopping the behavior entirely.

Tsarukyan Defends Post-Match Reaction, Claims Retaliation After Prolonged Provocation During Wrestling Bout

Frustration grew as the match continued, though Tsarukyan explained that he intentionally controlled his emotions to avoid disqualification. His priority, he said, was securing the victory first. Once the final whistle sounded and the match officially ended, Tsarukyan immediately tackled Poullas and threw a punch, sparking the on-mat confrontation. Members of both camps rushed forward as security quickly intervened to separate everyone and prevent further escalation.

Speaking publicly days later, Tsarukyan framed his response as retaliation rather than aggression. He argued that anyone repeatedly struck during competition would eventually react, emphasizing that he endured what he described as six minutes of provocation before responding. In his view, traditional wrestlers rely on technique rather than striking, and he accused Poullas of trying to create drama and attention instead of competing purely within wrestling rules.

The incident gained additional attention because Tsarukyan is best known as a top-ranked UFC lightweight contender. His recent career has already included setbacks, including a fight-week injury that cost him a title opportunity in 2025 and a controversial weigh-in clash with Dan Hooker later that year. Because of that history, questions quickly arose about whether the UFC might discipline him for his role in the RAF 6 incident.

Tsarukyan expressed confidence that no punishment would follow, stating he believed the organization would understand he was defending himself rather than instigating violence. At the time of his comments, he had not yet heard from UFC officials but expected conversations to take place when he attended UFC 326.

Tsarukyan Rejects Rematch Talks While Maintaining Support From RAF Following Controversial Altercation

Despite speculation that a rematch could generate interest after the viral moment, Tsarukyan dismissed the idea entirely. He said he has no interest in facing Poullas again in a wrestling format and suggested that if another meeting were to occur, it should be a real fight rather than a grappling contest. He criticized Poullas’ abilities and accused him of using the confrontation to build personal hype, adding that he considers the competitive matter settled.

Tsarukyan also stated that his relationship with RAF remains positive. Although he left the arena before speaking directly with promotion officials, he praised the organization for treating him well and said he believes they support him despite the controversy. He suggested the incident brought attention to the event while showcasing his competitive intensity.

While no official disciplinary decisions had been announced, the altercation highlights how quickly tensions can escalate when aggressive styles, emotional stakes, and officiating decisions collide. Tsarukyan maintains that the responsibility lies not with his reaction, but with the actions that led up to it, insisting he simply responded after enduring repeated fouls during the match.