The ACB JJ promotion has announced a grappling match between Yusuf Raisov and Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for 2026. The announcement confirms the bout will take place sometime during the year, though the specific date has not yet been disclosed. This represents a crossover grappling superfight between two high-level combat athletes. The match will be contested under grappling rules rather than MMA regulations. Further details about the event and exact timing are expected to be revealed at a later date.
ACB JJ has officially announced a grappling matchup between Yusup Raisov and UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, set to take place at some point in 2026. The promotion confirmed the bout will be contested under grappling rules, though a specific date and event details have yet to be revealed.
Tsarukyan, 29, is currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division and represents one of the most complete mixed martial artists in the 155-pound weight class. The Russia-born fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, carries a professional MMA record of 23-3-0. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, the orthodox striker lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a 50 percent accuracy rate, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that underlines his well-rounded skill set heading into a pure grappling format.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan steps outside MMA competition to test his grappling credentials against a specialist in Raisov, offering a rare crossover superfight
- A strong performance on the mat would reinforce Tsarukyan's elite status at 155 pounds ahead of any future lightweight title pursuits
- The match puts grappling-specific technique under a spotlight, removing the striking dimension that typically defines Tsarukyan's game
