ACB JJ promotion has announced a grappling match between Yusuf Raisov and Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for 2026. The promotion confirmed the bout but has not yet specified an exact date for the event. Both fighters are well-known in combat sports circles. This announcement adds another high-profile grappling matchup to the 2026 calendar. Further details about the event location and ruleset are expected to be released at a later date.
ACB JJ has officially announced a grappling match between UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and Yusuf Raisov, with the bout set to take place at some point in 2026. The promotion confirmed the matchup but has not yet released a specific date, location, or ruleset for the event.
Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," enters the contest as the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a professional MMA record of 23-3. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is a well-rounded competitor with notable grappling credentials to complement his striking. He lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy and averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a credible threat in both phases of a grappling contest.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked UFC lightweight, giving this grappling event immediate crossover appeal for MMA fans.
- A high-profile submission-style bout in 2026 adds to growing interest in MMA fighters competing in pure grappling formats.
- The absence of a confirmed date and ruleset leaves key questions open, and further announcements from ACB JJ are expected to clarify the structure of the event.
