Arman Tsarukyan Speaks Out on Brawl
Arman Tsarukyan insists he is not at fault for the altercation that broke out after he punched Georgio Poullas right after their wrestling match concluded at RAF 6 last Saturday night.
Context of the Incident
The chaotic scene followed complaints from both Tsarukyan and Poullas about aggressive tactics used during the match, which included slaps to the head and a shove that led the referee to warn both wrestlers. Tensions escalated once Tsarukyan secured his victory and tackled Poullas, throwing a punch as teammates and security rushed onto the mats to deescalate the situation.
Tsarukyan’s Perspective
Speaking out on Monday about the fight, Tsarukyan claims he was merely responding to the punches Poullas threw during their match. “His strategy was to create hype by fighting, which is disrespected in the sport,” Tsarukyan shared on the Ariel Helwani Show.
Poullas’s Actions During the Match
While physicality such as hand-fighting is common in wrestling, Tsarukyan believes Poullas crossed a line with his conduct. He maintained restraint to secure his victory before deciding to retaliate after the match officially concluded.
Tensions Escalate Post-Match
“He made several attempts to poke my eyes and twist my fingers,” Tsarukyan explained. “I indicated these actions to the referee, who didn’t take appropriate action.” After winning, Tsarukyan felt it was the right moment to strike back at Poullas once the match was over.
Future Considerations and UFC Impact
While Tsarukyan is currently focusing on his UFC career, he expressed that the recent brawl did not damage his reputation with the promotion. He clarified, “This isn’t my fault. If someone attacks you multiple times, it’s natural to respond.” He plans to attend UFC 326 to gather further information about any consequences from the incident.
Reflections on the Encounter
Although Tsarukyan appreciates the attention the incident has garnered for RAF, he has no interest in facing Poullas in a rematch in the wrestling ring, stating, “If they want a rematch, let’s fight on the street instead.” He believes Poullas is not a strong wrestler and insists that he’d easily defeat him outside of the wrestling environment.
