Arman Tsarukyan, a top lightweight contender, was focused on challenging for UFC gold after his significant victory over Charles Oliveira in April 2024. However, being pulled from a potential title fight against then-champion Islam Makhachev back in January meant he slid down the list of contenders.
To remain active, Tsarukyan has been competing in grappling events. Earlier this month, he secured a win over Makkasharip Zaynukov in a match he described as “boring.” Now, he is scheduled to face Patricky Pitbull at ADXC in Russia. Pitbull, a Brazilian fighter and former Bellator champion, views this upcoming match as a crucial opportunity to advance his own mixed martial arts career.
The clash between Pitbull and Tsarukyan is set to headline ADXC 10 in Moscow on May 31st. The match will take place at a 176-pound catchweight and consist of five three-minute rounds. Pitbull expressed that he wouldn`t be surprised if a dominant victory over a high-ranked UFC talent like Tsarukyan led to an offer from the UFC.
I believe so. Nothing is impossible. I never say never. I can’t say it’s impossible. It’s not impossible. The UFC, I see it’s more like, ‘Damn, you’re hyped up. Come here, get your shot at showing your work.’ I think it’s possible, yes. It’s a great opportunity for me to put on a good performance and bring more eyeballs.
Pitbull is well-known for his powerful striking and is one of Bellator`s most prolific knockout artists, with 11 of his 16 Bellator wins coming by knockout, including notable finishes against Peter Queally, Josh Thomson, and Ryan Couture. He has also found success in Japan`s RIZIN promotion, where he stopped the current 155-pound champion Roberto Satoshi with leg kicks and punches. Despite his history, his recent MMA record shows three consecutive losses against Alexander Shabliy, Clay Collard, and Bruno Miranda.
The 39-year-old veteran has not secured an MMA victory via submission in 15 years. However, as the ADXC bout is grappling-only (without striking), he has a distinct opportunity to potentially achieve a submission win. Pitbull revealed that his initial game plan required a late adjustment after he was informed in Russia that leg attacks would be prohibited, reportedly at the UFC`s request to prevent serious injuries.
If he makes a mistake, I’ll catch his neck. I even know how. If he exposes himself too much with takedowns, I’ll piss him off, and get him frustrated before he shoots from long distance, and I attack his neck, take his back with quick jiu-jitsu berimbolo.
Evaluating Tsarukyan`s grappling capabilities, Pitbull continued:
He’s shown more [grappling ability] in his MMA fights than this last grappling Karate Combat match. I even think he lost this match [at Karate Combat], but they have him the win. In the Charles ‘do Bronx’ [Oliveira] fight was good, he’s shown good guillotine and arm-triangle choke defense. He’s tough and very durable.
Following the collapse of the Global Fight League promotion, which he had signed with before its first event, Pitbull is hopeful that a strong performance at ADXC will reignite interest in his MMA career. While he remains optimistic about receiving a potential UFC offer, he also hasn`t ruled out the possibility of returning to Japan to compete again under the RIZIN banner.
I’m already in talks with people in Japan, seeing some possibilities of booking fights there. People love me in Japan because I beat the champion there. It’s another great opportunity to go there and show my best. I beat the champion, I had a beef with that Kleber Koike, so it’s a good idea to go back and beat people up. Who knows, maybe fight for the belt in the future.
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely