Shovkhal challenged Arman Tsarukyan to a wrestling match with a financial wager. Shovkhal proposed that if Tsarukyan can score a point against him within one minute, he will pay 500,000 rubles. Tsarukyan accepted the challenge. Shovkhal mentioned he is preparing to wrestle an Olympic champion soon and offered to even give up a leg in the match. The exchange was captured on video by Nika Kelekhsashvili. Both fighters appeared confident in the playful but serious challenge.
Arman Tsarukyan has accepted a wrestling challenge from Shovkhal, who is betting 500,000 rubles that the UFC lightweight contender cannot score a single point against him within one minute. The exchange was filmed by Nika Kelekhsashvili, capturing both men in what was a playful yet pointed display of confidence.
Tsarukyan, ranked first in the UFC lightweight division, carries a record of 23 wins and 3 losses and competes out of American Top Team. The 29-year-old from Russia stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and fights out of an orthodox stance. He is one of the most well-rounded threats at 155 pounds, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute at 50 percent accuracy while also posting 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect genuine wrestling credentials in addition to his striking output.
Shovkhal, for his part, issued the bet with considerable swagger. He not only proposed the 500,000-ruble wager but told Tsarukyan he would willingly give up a leg in the grappling exchange, suggesting an extreme level of confidence in his wrestling ability. Shovkhal also noted he is currently preparing to wrestle an Olympic champion, framing the challenge as part of a broader run of high-level grappling competition rather than a one-off stunt.
Why it matters
- The challenge puts Tsarukyan's much-discussed wrestling base to a direct, public test outside the cage
- Shovkhal's mention of an upcoming match with an Olympic champion adds credibility to his grappling credentials
- The video exchange, captured publicly, raises the profile of both men ahead of their respective next moves in combat sports
