The ACB JJ promotion has announced a grappling match between Yusuf Raisov and Arman Tsarukyan scheduled for 2026. The bout represents a grappling-only contest rather than an MMA fight, showcasing both fighters' ground game expertise. While the matchup has been officially announced, the specific date for the event has not yet been disclosed by the promotion. Tsarukyan, known for his strong wrestling and grappling background in MMA, will test his skills against Raisov in a pure grappling format. Further details about the event are expected to be revealed at a later time.
ACB JJ has officially announced a grappling-only match between UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and Yusuf Raisov, set to take place in 2026. The promotion confirmed the bout but has not yet disclosed a specific date for the event.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters the contest as one of the most decorated active lightweights in MMA. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, holds a 23-3 professional record and sits at number one in the UFC's lightweight divisional rankings. Known by his nickname "Ahalkalakets," he stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and has built a reputation as a technically sound, high-pressure fighter. His grappling credentials are well-established in MMA competition, where he averages 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking output of 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy. A pure grappling format strips away his striking and gives him room to showcase the wrestling and ground control that underpin his MMA game.
Verified database information for Raisov was not available, so further details on his record and background are expected to emerge as the promotion releases more information ahead of the event.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's participation puts a top-ranked UFC lightweight in a high-profile grappling spotlight, raising the event's visibility significantly.
- A grappling-only format removes striking from the equation, offering a different lens through which to evaluate his ground game ahead of future MMA bouts.
- The matchup adds to a growing trend of active MMA fighters competing in submission grappling events between their UFC appearances.
