Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is preparing for his return to competition.
However, his return is not the anticipated UFC title fight against champion Islam Makhachev, a bout he withdrew from earlier this year at UFC 311 due to a last-minute back injury.
The 28-year-old fighter earned his title shot with significant victories over Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira, including a close decision win against the former champion at UFC 300 approximately a year ago.
Holding a 9-1 record in his last 10 fights, Tsarukyan has not competed since his UFC 300 bout.
Eager to prove his readiness for another shot at Makhachev`s lightweight belt, Arman Tsarukyan is stepping outside the Octagon for his next competition.
Arman Tsarukyan Booked for Grappling Match in Karate Combat
Reportedly accepting the bout on short notice, Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete in a grappling match this Friday, May 2nd, at Karate Combat 54`s Pit Submission Series event.
Tsarukyan is set to face Makkasharip Zaynukov, a fellow MMA fighter and teammate of UFC Champion Islam Makhachev.
The grappling match will take place in Dubai at a catchweight of 175lbs.
The Tsarukyan vs. Zaynukov match is a recent addition to the Karate Combat 54 card, which also features former UFC fighters like Muhammad Mokaev and `Smile`n` Sam Alvey, with Alvey competing against Tyrone Spong in the main event.
Who is Makkasharip Zaynukov, Arman Tsarukyan`s Opponent?
Fighting out of Dagestan, similar to his teammate Islam Makhachev, Makkasharip Zaynukov is an MMA fighter with a professional record of 16-4.
Zaynukov has competed in various promotions outside the UFC, including UAE Warriors, RCC, and GFC.
The Russian recently made his PFL debut last October on the PFL Super Fights card, defeating Dedrek Sanders (record 9-4) in a lightweight bout.
Notably, only two of Zaynukov`s 16 professional wins are via submission. The upcoming match will reveal how Makhachev`s teammate performs against the top-ranked lightweight Arman Tsarukyan this Friday.
