December 2, 2025 - 13:14 AMT
Arman Tsarukyan returns for grappling match in Yerevan

Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan will headline the Hype Fighting Championship event scheduled for December 30 at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, according to Sportaran.

Organizers have not yet announced Tsarukyan’s opponent. However, the bout is expected to be held under grappling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu rules, not striking-based formats like the rest of the card. Under UFC regulations, Tsarukyan is only permitted to participate in grappling or wrestling-based competitions outside the promotion.

The rest of the Hype FC card will primarily feature striking bouts, with appearances from several well-known Armenian fighters including Lendrush Akopyan, Vage Sarukhanyan, Gennady Makaryan, Roman Kalashyan, Taron Hovhannisyan, Armen Ataev, and others.

The event is anticipated to be one of the largest and most high-profile combat sports showcases in Armenia’s history, with Tsarukyan’s appearance as the headline attraction.

The tournament is sponsored by Forged Irish Stout, a beer brand owned by UFC star Conor McGregor.

In November, Tsarukyan defeated New Zealand’s Dan Hooker via choke submission in the main event of a UFC card in Doha, Qatar.