Arman Tsarukyan has climbed to the 13th position in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings despite not having competed in a recent UFC fight. The post humorously notes that Tsarukyan is "riding up like an elevator" without actually fighting. The ranking update appears related to his performances in wrestling and grappling tournaments outside the UFC. The exact basis for the ranking adjustment is not detailed in the post. This unusual ranking movement has generated discussion about how fighters can advance in P4P rankings through non-MMA competition.
Arman Tsarukyan has moved into 13th place in the UFC's official pound-for-pound rankings, a notable climb that came without him stepping inside the octagon for a UFC bout.
The 29-year-old Russian lightweight, who trains out of American Top Team, currently sits as the No. 1 ranked contender in the 155-pound division. Known by his nickname "Ahalkalakets," Tsarukyan carries a professional record of 23-3 and has built his reputation as one of the most well-rounded fighters in the lightweight division. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that underscores his elite wrestling credentials.
According to the ranking update, Tsarukyan's rise in the pound-for-pound standings appears connected to his activity in wrestling and grappling competitions outside of the UFC. The post describing the movement noted he was "riding up like an elevator" despite the absence of a recent MMA performance, though the precise criteria behind the adjustment were not spelled out in detail.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is already the No. 1 lightweight contender, and a pound-for-pound ranking adds further weight to his standing as one of the sport's elite fighters.
- His advancement based on grappling tournament results raises broader questions about how the UFC evaluates and adjusts P4P rankings outside of in-cage MMA competition.
- A fighter with his striking volume and takedown rate competing actively in wrestling keeps his skills sharp and visible, regardless of fight schedule.
