Arman Tsarukyan delivered a dominant performance at RAF 9 and immediately called out Colby Covington afterward. Tsarukyan promised to defeat Covington decisively.
Arman Tsarukyan wasted no time after his dominant showing at RAF 9 on May 31, 2026, calling out Colby Covington and vowing to defeat him decisively.
Tsarukyan, 29, carries a 23-3 record and holds the number-one ranking in the lightweight division. The Russian fighter, who trains out of American Top Team, stands five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach and operates out of an orthodox stance. His output and efficiency stand out: he lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 50 percent, while also averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a genuine threat in every phase of a fight.
Covington, 38, holds a 17-5 record and competes out of MMA Masters. The American, nicknamed Chaos, stands five-foot-eleven with a 72-inch reach. He averages 3.81 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 38 percent. His wrestling remains a defining weapon, with 3.64 takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, meaning a crossover matchup with Covington would carry significant promotional weight.
- Covington built his reputation at welterweight, so any potential bout would raise questions about divisional alignment.
- The style matchup pits two high-volume orthodox fighters against each other, with both men averaging comparable striking output but Tsarukyan holding a notable edge in accuracy.
- A win for either man over a recognizable name would strengthen a title case or maintain relevance at the top of the sport.
