Arman Tsarukyan Involved in Post-Match Brawl at RAF 6
Tempe, Arizona – UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan sparked a chaotic brawl following his wrestling match against Georgio Poullas at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 6 on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The incident occurred at the Mullett Arena and involved multiple individuals, including UFC welterweight Colby Covington, who attempted to de-escalate the situation.
Chippy Match Escalates After the Final Bell
Tsarukyan defeated Poullas by decision after a three-round freestyle wrestling bout. The match was characterized by several contentious moments, including slaps and rough exchanges between the two competitors. Tensions boiled over immediately after the final bell when Tsarukyan tackled Poullas and began throwing punches MMA Junkie.
Brawl Erupts, Covington Intervenes
The initial attack by Tsarukyan quickly escalated into a full-scale brawl, with coaches and athletes rushing onto the mat. Yahoo Sports reports that punches were thrown as the chaos spread from the mats to the stage and even into the crowd. Colby Covington was seen escorting Poullas backstage amidst the unrest. Some in the crowd were chanting “USA” in support of Poullas during the altercation.
Previous Incidents for Tsarukyan
This is not the first instance of post-fight aggression for Tsarukyan. He previously punched a fan before a UFC fight at UFC 300 in 2024 and was allegedly involved in an incident where Dan Hooker’s nose was broken with a head-butt at weigh-ins last November MMA Junkie.
Impact on Tsarukyan’s UFC Future
Tsarukyan is currently awaiting the outcome of the lightweight championship fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. While many believed he was deserving of a title shot after defeating Dan Hooker, Saturday’s actions may impact his standing with the UFC. It remains to be seen if the incident will result in any disciplinary action or affect his future opportunities MMA Junkie.
Event Details
RAF 6, headlined by a bout between Urijah Faber and Kimbo Slice Cejudo, took place at Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, and was streamed on FOX Nation Tapology. The referee for the Tsarukyan-Poullas bout was Cliff Ramos.