Two Fighters, One Grappling Match: Poirier and Tsarukyan's Unlikely Showdown

Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan are in early talks for a grappling match in February. This is not your typical UFC fight. Poirier, who retired last summer after two decades in the sport, is looking for a way to stay competitive without the intense training and weight cuts. Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is stuck in limbo in the UFC lightweight division. Tsarukyan has been busy outside the UFC. He recently fought in a grappling match against Shara Magomedov. The fight was a draw, but it showed Tsarukyan's skills on the mat. He is scheduled to wrestle former PFL champion Lance Palmer on January 10. This is part of his plan to stay active while waiting for the UFC to give him a title shot. Poirier has been open about his struggle with retirement. He has said that he misses fighting every day. A grappling match would give him a chance to compete without the pressure of a title fight. It would also be a way for him to stay connected to the sport he loves.Grappling is not new to Poirier. He has used his grappling skills to win fights in the past. He once submitted Anthony Pettis with a body triangle. This shows that he is more than just a striker. He is a well-rounded fighter who can compete on the mat. This matchup is not about rankings or titles. It is about two fighters finding their way in a sport that can be unpredictable. Poirier is trying to fill the void left by retirement. Tsarukyan is trying to stay relevant while waiting for his chance in the UFC. There was another interesting matchup that almost happened for Tsarukyan. Hype FC, the promotion that hosted his recent grappling match, approached Tom Hardy about fighting Tsarukyan. Hardy is a fan of jiu-jitsu and has competed in tournaments before. However, he was unable to participate due to filming commitments. This shows that Tsarukyan is becoming a crossover attraction. He is not just a fighter waiting for his chance in the UFC. He is someone who can draw attention outside the regular fight world. This is important in a sport where momentum can make or break a career.