The highly anticipated freestyle wrestling bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Georgio Poullas delivered an exciting spectacle, captivating audiences during its duration. Despite both elite grapplers showcasing incredible skill and neutralizing each other with phenomenal exchanges, it was the chaotic aftermath that ultimately seized global headlines.
While the pre-fight tension between Tsarukyan and Poullas for their RAF 6 co-main event was initially understated, their fierce competitive drive erupted once the contest began. Poullas, renowned for his social media challenges where he offers cash for takedowns, employed overly aggressive tactics throughout the match, including pushing and slapping the visibly irritated UFC fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan is no stranger to intense physical confrontations, having spent seven years competing against the world’s best inside the octagon. However, his mental resilience was severely tested that Saturday. Prior to their encounter, Georgio Poullas openly declared his intent to make the RAF fight “dirty,” vowing to punch Tsarukyan if the situation escalated. This unsportsmanlike conduct on display proved sufficient to provoke the Armenian competitor.
Immediately after securing a 5-3 victory, Tsarukyan’s pent-up frustration reached its breaking point. The 29-year-old forcibly threw his opponent to the mat and unleashed a barrage of strikes. This instantly sparked pandemonium as members from both corners flooded the wrestling area. The chaotic scene was eventually brought under control, with former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington notably assisting in de-escalating the situation.
Following the post-fight melee, Georgio Poullas, having played a clear role in instigating the altercation, issued a statement directed at Arman Tsarukyan. “I want to send a message to all my fans and supporters. I want to thank you guys,” Poullas stated. “I hope you guys got some enjoyment out of the match tonight. Unfortunately, I was jumped… To Arman, you’re a little b*tch.”
He further asserted, “And by the way, if you guys watched the match, I’m the only one that got a takedown… I’m still the champ, baby.”
