Arman Tsarukyan, Georgio Poullas Book Submission-Only Grappling Rematch in Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO — Just days after a controversial wrestling bout boiled over into a brawl, UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan and amateur wrestler Georgio Poullas are set to face off again — this time in a submission-only grappling match scheduled for March 11 at the Hype FC Brazil event in Rio de Janeiro’s Farmasi Arena.
The rematch follows their explosive meeting at the Real American Freestyle (RAF) 6 event on February 28 in Tempe, Arizona. Tsarukyan won the wrestling contest by a 5-3 score, but tensions erupted immediately after the final whistle when he tackled and struck Poullas, igniting a melee that involved coaches, support staff, and security.
From Wrestling Chaos to Submission Grappling
The upcoming bout — marketed as a submission-only match — will strip away scoring and award victory only by forcing an opponent to tap, a format that could offer a more definitive outcome between the two combatants.
Unlike traditional wrestling, submission-only rules emphasize ground control, positional strategy, and submission holds, making the matchup potentially more favorable to Tsarukyan, whose background includes extensive grappling work alongside his MMA career. Poullas, a collegiate-level wrestler and social media personality, will be tested under this new structure as he seeks to settle their rivalry without the controversy that overshadowed their first encounter.
The Hype FC card will also feature high-profile submission grappling action, including a matchup between Shara Bullet and former UFC star Jorge Masvidal, and additional competition involving UFC featherweight contender Jean Silva.
After The Brawl: High Stakes and High Tension
The first meeting between Tsarukyan and Poullas drew widespread attention — not only for the on-mat action but for the disorder that followed. During the RAF contest, officials had to intervene repeatedly as the intensity spiked, with both men trading physicality beyond the scope of the rules. The post-bout scuffle quickly escalated, forcing event personnel to manage an increasingly hostile scene.
Tsarukyan has since addressed the incident publicly, framing his response as retaliation to what he deemed dirty tactics during the match, including eye pokes and slaps. While he defended his reactions, critics argue the episode could affect perceptions of his professionalism and discipline as he pursues his MMA aspirations.
For Poullas, the rematch presents a chance to redeem himself and compete on more even footing. The shift to submission-only grappling may help focus the bout on athletic skill rather than the chaos that marred their first contest.
What’s Next
With the rematch now official, attention will turn to how both competitors prepare under the new ruleset and whether the Brazilian crowd will witness a more disciplined contest. For Tsarukyan, who continues to chase a UFC lightweight title opportunity, the event offers another platform to showcase his grappling prowess outside the cage. For Poullas, it’s a chance to prove his mettle against a decorated MMA athlete under conditions tailored to submissions.
The March 11 event in Rio promises to be a focal point in combat sports this spring, blending drama, redemption, and competition in a narrative that has already captured global attention.
