Arman Tsarukyan remained busy outside of the Octagon earlier today (Sat., May 31, 2025) at ADXC 10 from inside Voleybol’Naya Arena Dinamo in Moscow, Russia, stopping veteran fighter Patricky “Pitbull” Freire in a main event grappling match.
Tsarukyan has been trying to keep active as he awaits his next fight in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division. The talented grappler was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title at UFC 311 this past January, but ultimately pulled out due to a grueling back injury. That more or less landed him in the UFC’s doghouse and it’s been tough for Tsarukyan to score an opponent he deems worthy.
Instead, the 28-year-old contender has been hitting the mats for some good old wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Earlier this month, Tsarukyan made an appearance at Karate Combat 54 in a submission match against Makasharip Zaynukov, which the UFC fighter won via unanimous decision. With no injuries to report Tsarukyan booked a quick return with a matchup against “Pitbull” this weekend at ADXC 10.
Unlike his Karate Combat debut, Tsarukyan was able to find a path to a finish earlier today and ended up submitting Freire with a tight rear-naked choke. It’s the first submission finish for Tsarukyan in any combat form since 2017.
Check out the final moments in the above video player and a post-fight celebration from Tsarukyan and his father below:
Tsarukyan, who is riding a four-fight UFC win streak and coming off back-to-back victories over Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, looked sharp on Saturday and appears ready to make his Octagon return. It will be up to UFC matchmakers to find a matchup that makes sense for all parties.