Arman Tsarukyan, the second-ranked lightweight contender in the UFC, is generating buzz even without a scheduled fight. Recently, he showcased his skills by securing a decisive victory against Lance Palmer at Real American Freestyle, marking his first win of the year. Despite the lack of an upcoming bout, Tsarukyan has been vocal about seeking new challenges and potential opponents.
On Thursday night, Tsarukyan received an intriguing proposition from renowned Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Mikey Musumeci. Musumeci, who just successfully defended his bantamweight title by submitting Shay Montague, expressed his desire to grapple with Tsarukyan. This comes after Tsarukyan’s previous call-out of actor Tom Hardy, which has attracted attention in the MMA community.
Mikey Musumeci Responds to Tsarukyan’s Call-Out
Musumeci made headlines after addressing Tsarukyan’s interest in grappling with Hardy, who recently earned a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. However, Hardy is currently unavailable due to a busy filming schedule that extends until March 2024. Musumeci voiced his concern, stating, “He’s incredible but he called out my friend Tom Hardy in a grappling match, and my friend Tom Hardy is an actor… I just don’t like that he did that.”
The BJJ champion is keen to face Tsarukyan himself, adding, “I’m lighter than him so I’ll just go up and face him. That would be a really fun match for everyone… Send me location.” This potential matchup highlights the ongoing crossover between MMA and grappling, and both fighters seem eager to showcase their skills.
Future Possibilities for Tsarukyan and Hardy
While discussions around a fight with Hardy have surfaced, Tsarukyan confirmed that an official call-out had not taken place. He reflected on an earlier opportunity to face Hardy, stating, “Yeah, I got that offer, but he couldn’t come because he was filming something. I don’t know; he’s busy. So it didn’t happen, but maybe in the future – why not? I’m down for everybody, for big names.”
The prospect of a matchup between Tsarukyan and Hardy remains uncertain, but both fighters’ rising profiles suggest that fans may not have seen the last of this intriguing narrative. As Tsarukyan continues to pursue new challenges, the MMA community watches closely to see what opportunities lie ahead.
In the meantime, Tsarukyan’s recent performances and Musumeci’s willingness to engage in grappling matches keep the excitement alive in the world of mixed martial arts.
