Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 UFC Lightweight contender, is set to make his highly anticipated debut at the Pit Submission Series 12 on May 2, 2025, where he will face Makkasharip Zaynukov, a teammate of reigning UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Fans are buzzing about this matchup, especially given Tsarukyan's recent withdrawal from UFC 311 due to a back injury, which left him eager to return to action.
Tsarukyan, who was originally scheduled to challenge Makhachev at UFC 311, had to pull out at the last minute, leading to Renato Moicano stepping in and ultimately losing to Makhachev via first-round submission. This recent turn of events has left Tsarukyan in search of competition, and he is keen to stay active while waiting for another opportunity in the UFC.
In his upcoming grappling match, Tsarukyan will take on Zaynukov, a seasoned fighter boasting a 16-4 MMA record, including two submission victories. Zaynukov recently made headlines with a unanimous decision win against Dedrek Sanders at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October 2024. The stakes are high for both fighters, as a victory could pave the way for greater opportunities in their respective careers.
Fans have taken to social media to express their opinions on this matchup, with mixed reactions about Tsarukyan's decision to compete against a teammate of Makhachev. One fan commented, "That’s a big mistake... definitely not UFC approved," while another noted, "Arman is obviously looking for a fight to make a living; it’s been a long time since he fought in the Octagon." Some fans remain skeptical, suggesting that UFC fighters often pull out of such matches, while others predict that Tsarukyan will easily overcome Zaynukov.
Tsarukyan's grappling skills are well-documented; he has a strong background in freestyle wrestling and even won gold in the expert division at a local NAGA tournament in Los Angeles. His experience in grappling has translated effectively into his MMA career, where he has faced some of the best grapplers in the world, including Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan has shown resilience, having weathered numerous submission attempts from top-tier opponents.
As Tsarukyan prepares for this upcoming match, he remains hopeful about his future in the UFC. In a recent podcast appearance, he expressed his desire to fight for a title, stating, "If Islam is going to move to 170, yeah, they got to give me an interim title with somebody." He is aware that Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are also in the running for a title shot, and he is keen to capitalize on any opportunity that arises.
Meanwhile, Zaynukov's connection to Makhachev adds another layer of intrigue to this matchup. As teammates at Eagles MMA, Zaynukov may have insights into Tsarukyan's fighting style, which could play a pivotal role in the outcome of their bout. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both fighters likely to showcase their grappling prowess.
This event is not just about Tsarukyan and Zaynukov; it also features other exciting bouts. Iranian beach wrestler Pouya Rahmani is making his return after a victory over Kaynan Duarte at the promotion’s fourth event and will be facing PFL veteran Slim Trabelsi, an undefeated heavyweight contender. The lineup suggests that fans can expect plenty of action, particularly on the feet, as both Rahmani and Trabelsi are accomplished wrestlers.
Karate Combat 54, taking place in Dubai, is shaping up to be an exciting event for MMA fans, with Tsarukyan vs. Zaynukov being one of the highlights. The anticipation surrounding this grappling match is palpable, as both fighters are eager to prove themselves and secure their places in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the Pit Submission Series to see how Tsarukyan performs after a lengthy hiatus from competition. Will he reclaim his momentum and showcase his grappling skills against Zaynukov, or will the underdog surprise the fans? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this matchup is not to be missed.
