Arman Tsarukyan, the elite UFC lightweight contender known for his relentless pace and world‑class grappling, is gearing up for another high‑profile outing, but this time on the RAF (Real American Freestyle) wrestling mat.
Tsarukyan is officially booked to face Georgio Poullas at RAF 6, scheduled for February 28, 2026, at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The event will take place alongside other major matches, including a headline bout between former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber, and will be broadcast live on FOX Nation.
From Octagon to Wrestling Mat: Tsarukyan’s Competitive Journey
While Tsarukyan rose to prominence inside the UFC cage as one of the sport’s most dynamic lightweights, his recent focus has also included top‑level grappling and freestyle wrestling competition outside MMA.
At RAF 5, held in January 2026, Tsarukyan delivered a dominant 10‑0 technical fall over former MMA standout Lance Palmer, showcasing his natural ability and adjustment to pure wrestling rules.
His versatile skill set is not limited to wrestling. In late 2025, Tsarukyan also competed in elite grappling events, including securing a submission victory over Mehdi Baydulaev at ACBJJ 20 in Moscow, adding a prestigious “Stars Belt” championship to his list of accomplishments.
Georgio Poullas: The Next Challenge
Tsarukyan’s next opponent at RAF 6 will be Georgio Poullas, a wrestler who first gained viral attention for his social‑media “take‑me‑down” challenge, offering cash rewards to anyone who could score on him.
Unlike Palmer, who hadn’t wrestled competitively in years, Poullas remains active and brings a unique blend of grassroots wrestling experience to this matchup. This clash offers an intriguing contrast: elite MMA grappling versus a seasoned, challenge‑driven wrestler.
What’s at Stake at RAF 6
RAF 6 marks the next evolution of the Real American Freestyle promotion, which continues to merge the worlds of MMA stars and pure wrestling competition. The event’s roster reflects this trend, featuring names with decorated combat sports pedigree and crossover appeal.
The entire card, including Tsarukyan’s bout, will stream exclusively on FOX Nation, allowing fans around the world to tune in to this growing sport hybrid.
Why Tsarukyan Is Competing in RAF
One question fans often ask is why a top UFC contender like Tsarukyan chooses to compete outside the octagon. In interviews, he has explained that UFC policies allow fighters to wrestle when they don’t have an upcoming MMA bout booked, offering him a way to stay sharp and competitive while awaiting his next UFC fight.
This approach not only keeps Tsarukyan active but also deepens his grappling experience, a clear asset in both wrestling and MMA contexts.
Fan Expectations & Predictions
As Tsarukyan prepares for RAF 6, excitement is high among combat sports communities. Fans see this matchup as a chance to witness his elite grappling translated into a freestyle wrestling format once more. Social chatter underscores anticipation for how Tsarukyan will perform against a unique competitor like Poullas, with many expecting a showcase of takedowns, technique, and control.
This blend of MMA pedigree and wrestling spectacle continues to draw attention, expanding Tsarukyan’s profile beyond just the UFC lightweight division.
Tsarukyan’s Ongoing Journey
Arman Tsarukyan’s participation in RAF 6 is another chapter in his multifaceted combat sports journey. From dominant wrestling performances to high‑level grappling and MMA contention, Tsarukyan continues to push boundaries, proving he’s not just a fighter but a versatile athlete shaping his own competitive narrative.
Fans should mark February 28 on their calendars and tune into FOX Nation for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable night of wrestling action.
Tsarukyan is officially booked to face Georgio Poullas at RAF 6, scheduled for February 28, 2026, at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona. The event will take place alongside other major matches, including a headline bout between former UFC champions Henry Cejudo and Urijah Faber, and will be broadcast live on FOX Nation.
From Octagon to Wrestling Mat: Tsarukyan’s Competitive Journey
While Tsarukyan rose to prominence inside the UFC cage as one of the sport’s most dynamic lightweights, his recent focus has also included top‑level grappling and freestyle wrestling competition outside MMA.
At RAF 5, held in January 2026, Tsarukyan delivered a dominant 10‑0 technical fall over former MMA standout Lance Palmer, showcasing his natural ability and adjustment to pure wrestling rules.
His versatile skill set is not limited to wrestling. In late 2025, Tsarukyan also competed in elite grappling events, including securing a submission victory over Mehdi Baydulaev at ACBJJ 20 in Moscow, adding a prestigious “Stars Belt” championship to his list of accomplishments.
Georgio Poullas: The Next Challenge
Tsarukyan’s next opponent at RAF 6 will be Georgio Poullas, a wrestler who first gained viral attention for his social‑media “take‑me‑down” challenge, offering cash rewards to anyone who could score on him.
Unlike Palmer, who hadn’t wrestled competitively in years, Poullas remains active and brings a unique blend of grassroots wrestling experience to this matchup. This clash offers an intriguing contrast: elite MMA grappling versus a seasoned, challenge‑driven wrestler.
What’s at Stake at RAF 6
RAF 6 marks the next evolution of the Real American Freestyle promotion, which continues to merge the worlds of MMA stars and pure wrestling competition. The event’s roster reflects this trend, featuring names with decorated combat sports pedigree and crossover appeal.
The entire card, including Tsarukyan’s bout, will stream exclusively on FOX Nation, allowing fans around the world to tune in to this growing sport hybrid.
Why Tsarukyan Is Competing in RAF
One question fans often ask is why a top UFC contender like Tsarukyan chooses to compete outside the octagon. In interviews, he has explained that UFC policies allow fighters to wrestle when they don’t have an upcoming MMA bout booked, offering him a way to stay sharp and competitive while awaiting his next UFC fight.
This approach not only keeps Tsarukyan active but also deepens his grappling experience, a clear asset in both wrestling and MMA contexts.
Fan Expectations & Predictions
As Tsarukyan prepares for RAF 6, excitement is high among combat sports communities. Fans see this matchup as a chance to witness his elite grappling translated into a freestyle wrestling format once more. Social chatter underscores anticipation for how Tsarukyan will perform against a unique competitor like Poullas, with many expecting a showcase of takedowns, technique, and control.
This blend of MMA pedigree and wrestling spectacle continues to draw attention, expanding Tsarukyan’s profile beyond just the UFC lightweight division.
Tsarukyan’s Ongoing Journey
Arman Tsarukyan’s participation in RAF 6 is another chapter in his multifaceted combat sports journey. From dominant wrestling performances to high‑level grappling and MMA contention, Tsarukyan continues to push boundaries, proving he’s not just a fighter but a versatile athlete shaping his own competitive narrative.
Fans should mark February 28 on their calendars and tune into FOX Nation for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable night of wrestling action.
