Imagine this: a fearless YouTuber, standing at an imposing 6'3", steps into the ring with the renowned MMA fighter, Arman Tsarukyan, and a whopping $20,000 on the line. But here's the catch - the YouTuber, known as MMA Guru, is twice the size of Tsarukyan!
Could this be the ultimate David vs. Goliath moment in MMA history?
Tsarukyan, a lightweight contender in the UFC, is no stranger to grappling. In fact, his skills in this area are legendary, with an impressive 75% takedown defense rate. Just last November, he showcased his prowess by effortlessly taking down and submitting Dan Hooker in Qatar.
So, when Adin Ross put $20,000 on the line for MMA Guru to attempt a takedown against Tsarukyan, it seemed like a bold move. After all, Tsarukyan had just come off an unbeaten grappling run in 2025, defeating former UFC champion Benson Henderson and ex-Bellator titleholder Patricky Pitbull.
And yet, despite his size advantage, MMA Guru found himself repeatedly thrown to the ground by the agile Tsarukyan. The UFC star comfortably maintained his footing throughout, leaving the YouTuber with nothing but a bruised ego and an empty wallet.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite Tsarukyan's impressive grappling skills and status as a top contender, the UFC opted against granting him a title shot at the start of 2026. Instead, they chose Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje to headline UFC 324, with an interim lightweight belt up for grabs.
This decision sparked outrage among fans and even Tsarukyan himself, who felt he was the rightful candidate for the title shot. Dana White, the UFC president, attempted to justify the choice by citing Tsarukyan's weigh-in headbutt against Hooker as a contributing factor.
So, what do you think? Was Tsarukyan robbed of his chance at the title? Or did his actions in Qatar play a significant role in the UFC's decision?
Join the debate and share your thoughts! We want to hear your insights and opinions on this controversial topic.
And remember, in the world of MMA, size doesn't always matter - it's skill, strategy, and determination that can make all the difference.
