Arman Tsarukyan responds with a cold warning to Michael Chandler’s wrestling challenge

Arman Tsarukyan appears to have decided that inactivity is not an option while waiting for clarity in the lightweight title picture. The Armenian accepted Michael Chandler’s public challenge to a wrestling match and fired back with an explicit warning about how he expected the match to end.

Tsarukyan has kept himself busy in grappling tournaments after being passed over for the interim title at UFC 324. The 27-year-old recently scored a 10-0 technical victory over four-time NCAA All-American Lance Palmer in a RAF freestyle event.

This performance sparked controversy with Chandler, who indicated that he would beat Tsarukyan in wrestling. Tsarukyan responded to the challenge on Instagram, writing:

“I said it, I can’t run now. Send me the contract @rafwrestlingusa. I’m ready to wipe the floor with this bum. Another 10-0 coming right away.”

Payment Arman TsarukyanMessage below:

Chandler was a decorated college wrestler at the University of Missouri from 2004 to 2009, where he was named an NCAA Division I All-American. His most notable accomplishment was earning NCAA Division I All-American honors in 2009 after finishing fifth in the nation at 157 pounds.

Chandler’s exchange for Tsarukyan comes during a frustrating period for the Armenian. Despite being ranked No. 1 and on a five-fight winning streak with Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker, he was passed over for the interim belt at UFC 324 in favor of Justin Gaethje vs. Buddy Pimblett.

Arman Tsarukyan suggests the UFC is grooming Buddy Pimblett for a title shot

Arman Tsarukyan believes Paddy Pimblett has benefited from positive matchmaking after he was booked to face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. Tsarukyan is the top contender at 155 pounds but has been overlooked in the slot despite his five-fight winning streak and Dan Hooker’s recent submission.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, he said the promotion views Pimblett as a future star and wants to keep him in high-level bouts. He said:

“Everyone knows they want to make him champion because it’s his chance to be champion. They know if they put me against him, he’ll lose and the star will be gone. Gaethje is easy money for him, he probably has one or two fights left. That’s why they gave him an interim title shot because he’ll never be a real champion because there’s an Elijah Topuria, and he’ll never be able to beat an Elijah Topuria.”