Arman Tsarukyan, ranked among the top lightweights, was on track for a shot at UFC gold following his impressive victory over Charles Oliveira in April 2024. However, his path shifted when a scheduled championship clash against then-champion Islam Makhachev in January didn`t materialize, pushing him back slightly in title contention.
To stay active, Tsarukyan has been competing in the grappling circuit. He recently secured a win over Makkasharip Zaynukov in a match he reportedly found “boring.” His next challenge is facing Patricky Pitbull at ADXC in Russia. Pitbull, a seasoned Brazilian fighter, views this grappling encounter as a significant opportunity to advance his own mixed martial arts career.
The ADXC 10 event in Moscow on May 31st will be headlined by the Pitbull vs. Tsarukyan match. The bout is set for a 176-pound catchweight and will consist of five three-minute rounds. The former Bellator champion, Patricky Pitbull, stated he wouldn`t be surprised if a dominant performance against a highly-ranked UFC talent like Tsarukyan caught the attention of the UFC and led to an offer.
Speaking on the possibility of signing with the UFC after a victory, Pitbull commented, I believe so. Nothing is impossible. I never say never. I can’t say it’s impossible. It’s not impossible.
He added that the UFC often shows interest in fighters who generate buzz: 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.
Pitbull sees the upcoming ADXC match as a crucial platform: It’s a great opportunity for me to put on a good performance and bring more eyeballs.
Pitbull is renowned for his knockout power, boasting one of the highest numbers of KO wins in Bellator history with 11 finishes out of his 16 victories for the promotion. His knockout victims include notable names like Peter Queally, Josh Thomson, and Ryan Couture. He has also found success in the RIZIN ring, where he finished the current 155-pound champion Roberto Satoshi with strikes. However, Pitbull is currently facing a three-fight losing skid in his recent MMA bouts against Alexander Shabliy, Clay Collard, and Bruno Miranda.
The 39-year-old veteran hasn`t secured a submission victory in an MMA fight for 15 years. However, the ADXC grappling format, which prohibits striking, offers him a chance to potentially break that streak. Pitbull mentioned a necessary, late-notice adjustment to his game plan after learning in Russia that leg attacks were disallowed – reportedly at the UFC`s request to prevent serious injuries.
Pitbull detailed his approach for the grappling match, stating, If he makes a mistake, I’ll catch his neck. I even know how.
He described how he might create opportunities: 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.
Analyzing Tsarukyan`s grappling capabilities, Pitbull observed, He’s shown more [grappling] in his MMA fights than this last grappling Karate Combat match.
He expressed some doubt regarding Tsarukyan`s recent win in that event: I even think he lost this match [at Karate Combat], but they have him the win.
Pitbull acknowledged Tsarukyan`s grappling defense in MMA: 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.
Pitbull is hopeful that a win at ADXC will significantly boost his MMA career prospects, especially after his recent commitment to the Global Fight League ended when the promotion collapsed before its first event. While he remains optimistic about potentially receiving an offer from the UFC, he also stated that he is open to returning to Japan for another run under the RIZIN banner.
Pitbull revealed he is already exploring potential opportunities in Japan: I’m already in talks with people in Japan, seeing some possibilities of booking fights there.
He highlighted his positive history there, where he holds a 3-1 record with knockout victories over Satoshi, Tatsuya Kawajiri, and Luiz Gustavo. Pitbull noted his popularity in Japan: People love me in Japan because I beat the champion there. It’s another great opportunity to go there and show my best.
He also brought up a past rivalry: I beat the champion, I had a beef with that a****** Kleber Koike, so it’s a good idea to go back and beat people up.
He concluded by expressing potential interest in challenging for a RIZIN title: Who knows, maybe fight for the belt in the future.
