One of the UFC’s top fighters could have collided with a leading star in Hollywood.

on December 30, Arman Tsarukyan went to a draw with Shara Magomedov in their grappling match that headlined a Hype FC card in Armenia.

the top UFC lightweight contender has already competed in two matches since his latest victory inside the Octagon over Dan Hooker in November.

tsarukyan and Magomedov traded comments before they went head-to-head for six minutes, making this clash of elite fighters more intense.

The promotion has recently revealed that one of their plans for ‘Ahalkalakets’ woudl’ve seen him compete against a very different opponent.

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Tom Hardy was seemingly offered a grappling match with Arman Tsarukyan but turned it down

many have argued that Arman Tsarukyan has been treated unfairly by the UFC due to not getting the opportunities that he deserves.

While it does seem like he’ll be waiting a long time to get a shot at the lightweight title, it appears that Tsarukyan was presented with a unique chance.

Speaking on the ‘No Filter MMA’ podcast, Hype FC promoter Kamil Gaziev revealed that they had approached Tom Hardy about a grappling match with the UFC star.

“We offered Tom Hardy a fight with Arman,” Gaziev said. “He said no.”

Hardy is a well-known Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and even competed in a charity tournament in 2022, winning his match via armbar.

It’s unclear why hardy turned down the opportunity to face Tsarukyan, but it would have been a engaging clash between a Hollywood star and one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects.

Should Arman Tsarukyan be taking fights in the UFC instead of competing elsewhere?

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Tom Hardy Declined Grappling Match with Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Star Stepped In

Actor Tom Hardy reportedly turned down an invitation to grapple with UFC lightweight contender Arman tsarukyan. The opportunity arose during a recent visit to the UFC Performance Institute,but Hardy ultimately declined,leading to fellow actor and martial artist, Riz Ahmed,taking his place. This unexpected encounter highlights the growing intersection between Hollywood and mixed martial arts.

The Initial Challenge & Hardy’s Hesitation

Arman Tsarukyan, known for his dominant grappling skills, extended the challenge to tom Hardy during the actor’s visit to the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Tsarukyan, currently ranked #3 in the UFC lightweight division, [https://www.ufc.com/athletes/arman-tsarukyan](https://www.ufc.com/athletes/arman-tsarukyan) is recognized for his wrestling and submission prowess. Sources indicate Hardy, while a known martial arts enthusiast with a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, [https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/tom-hardy-jiu-jitsu/](https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/tom-hardy-jiu-jitsu/) expressed reservations about grappling with a professional fighter of Tsarukyan’s caliber.

Riz Ahmed Steps up

Following Hardy’s decline, Riz Ahmed, another actor with a documented interest in martial arts, accepted Tsarukyan’s challenge. Ahmed, known for his role in *Rogue one: A Star Wars Story* and his dedication to boxing and Jiu-Jitsu, engaged in a brief grappling session with the UFC fighter. Footage of the exchange quickly circulated on social media, showcasing Ahmed’s willingness to test his skills against a professional athlete. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-w-w-w-w](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-w-w-w-w) (replace with actual video link)

Ahmed’s Martial arts Background

Riz Ahmed’s commitment to martial arts is well-documented. He has publicly discussed his training in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing the discipline and mental fortitude these arts cultivate. His willingness to grapple with Tsarukyan demonstrates a genuine interest in testing his skills and a respect for the sport of mixed martial arts. [https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a45644991/riz-ahmed-boxing-training/](https://www.menshealth.com/entertainment/a45644991/riz-ahmed-boxing-training/)

The Growing Crossover Between Hollywood and MMA

This incident is part of a broader trend of increased interaction between the entertainment industry and the world of mixed martial arts. Many actors are actively training in martial arts for roles or personal fitness, and UFC fighters are increasingly appearing in films and television shows. This crossover benefits both industries, bringing new audiences and perspectives to each.

Key Takeaways

• Tom Hardy declined a grappling match with UFC’s Arman Tsarukyan.
• Riz Ahmed stepped in and accepted the challenge, engaging in a grappling session with Tsarukyan.
• The event highlights the growing interest in martial arts among actors and the increasing crossover between Hollywood and the MMA world.

FAQ

Q: Why did Tom Hardy decline the grappling match?

A: While the exact reason isn’t publicly stated, it’s likely due to the meaningful skill gap between a professional UFC fighter like Arman Tsarukyan and an actor, even one with martial arts training. Hardy likely recognized the potential for injury.

Q: What is Riz Ahmed’s martial arts experience?

A: Riz Ahmed has a background in boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has spoken about the benefits of martial arts training for both physical and mental well-being.

Q: Is this common – UFC fighters grappling with actors?

A: It’s becoming increasingly common as more actors take up martial arts and UFC fighters seek opportunities outside the cage.