TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan defeated Georgio Poullas 5-3 in the co-main event at RAF 6 in Tempe, Arizona
- Tsarukyan attacked Poullas immediately after the match ended, throwing punches and causing a mass brawl
- The match featured multiple stoppages due to slapping incidents and complaints from both wrestlers
- Ben Askren provided commentary and accused Poullas of trying to get Tsarukyan disqualified
- UFC fighters reacted on social media, with Belal Muhammad saying ‘Arman don’t play’
Sources: MMA Fighting | MMA Fighting | HITC
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan defeated Georgio Poullas 5-3 at RAF 6 on Saturday night in Tempe, Arizona, but his victory was overshadowed by a violent post-match attack that sparked a mass brawl.
Immediately after the final bell, Tsarukyan rushed at Poullas, pushing him to the ground and throwing punches as if he were in an MMA fight rather than a wrestling match. More than a dozen people rushed onto the mat to intervene, creating chaos at the Mullet Arena.
The incident capped off a controversial match that featured multiple stoppages and altercations throughout all three periods. Both wrestlers exchanged slaps during the competition, with Tsarukyan complaining repeatedly to the referee about Poullas’ behavior.
ARMAN TSARUKYAN ATTACKED GEORGIO POULLAS AFTER THEIR MATCH!!!
OH MY GOD 😳 #RAF06pic.twitter.com/g1ev162bSf
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 1, 2026
Controversial Match Filled With Stoppages
The problems started early in the first period when Tsarukyan slapped Poullas after Poullas had hit him first. The referee stopped the action multiple times to address the conduct issues, with Poullas at one point appearing to consider withdrawing from the match.
Izzy Martinez, the referee, came onto the mat to speak with both wrestlers during the first period. Poullas shoved Tsarukyan in the face as tensions escalated, and the first period ended with Tsarukyan leading 2-1.
Ben Askren joined the commentary team for the second period and criticized Poullas’ wrestling ability. Askren suggested Poullas was trying to get Tsarukyan disqualified and made unverified accusations about steroid use.
Poullas successfully avoided giving up a takedown for most of the match, which had been his social media gimmick that made him famous. The Ohio State high school wrestling champion, who wrestled at Cleveland State in college, built his online following by claiming people could not take him down.
Tsarukyan Secures Victory Before Attack
The third period saw the most action from a wrestling standpoint. Poullas called Martinez over before the period started to get his fingers wrapped, which Askren suggested was a tactic to get extra rest time.
Poullas scored a takedown and a push-out that tied the match temporarily. However, Tsarukyan responded with a clean double-leg takedown that gave him the winning margin.
After the match ended, Tsarukyan attempted to slap hands with Poullas in what appeared to be a conciliatory gesture. When Poullas ignored him, Tsarukyan slapped at him, which led to the post-match assault moments later.
UFC fighters reacted to the incident on social media. Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad wrote on Twitter, “Arman don’t play haha.”
Terrance McKinney added, “Y’all Arman be tripping lol like he got roid rage.” Former Bellator fighter Cody Bollinger called Tsarukyan “a menace.”
Colby Covington, who was in attendance, escorted Poullas backstage after order was restored. Brawls also erupted in the crowd during the chaos on the mat.
Tsarukyan is currently considered one of the top 155-pound fighters in the world and is waiting for his opportunity to challenge for the UFC lightweight title. He went 3-0 in grappling matches last year and defeated Lance Palmer at RAF 5 in January.
The event was broadcast on the Fox Nation platform. Henry Cejudo defeated Urijah Faber 10-0 in the main event of RAF 6.
