ACB JJ promotion has announced a grappling match between Yusuf Raisov and Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for 2026. The exact date for this bout has not yet been specified by the promotion. Further details about the matchup are expected to be released at a later time.
ACB JJ has announced a grappling match between Yusuf Raisov and UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, with the bout slated for sometime in 2026. The promotion has not yet specified an exact date, with further details expected to be released at a later time.
Tsarukyan, known by his nickname "Ahalkalakets," enters the matchup as one of the premier grapplers in mixed martial arts. The 29-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, currently sits at the number one ranked lightweight contender in the UFC with a professional record of 23-3. Standing five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, Tsarukyan is a well-rounded threat who averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking output of 3.85 significant strikes landed per minute at 50 percent accuracy. Those numbers paint the picture of a fighter who can impose his grappling will while remaining dangerous on the feet.
Raisov does not appear in the verified fighter database, and no additional details about his background or competitive record were provided in the announcement.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making any high-profile grappling appearance a significant moment for his brand ahead of a potential title shot.
- A pure grappling format removes the striking element from Tsarukyan's game, putting his submission and control skills under a different kind of spotlight.
- ACB JJ continues to attract elite combat sports athletes, and this matchup adds further credibility to the promotion's 2026 calendar.
