Arman Tsarukyan displayed a relentless grappling attack to stifle Damir Ismagulov for the better part of 15 minutes to earn a win in the UFC Vegas 66 co-main event.
Tsarukyan tried to pull Ismagulov down to the ground from the beginning of the fight. While Ismagulov did an admirable job resisting on the ground or getting back to his feet, he just couldn’t produce much offense of his own.
That resulted in a shutout with all three judges scoring the fight 30-27 for Tsarukyan.
“Today I showed my 50 percent,” Tsarukyan said following the win. “I’m proud to announce that I defeated a man who was on a 19 winning streak in fights. He’s the toughest opponent. He is more difficult than anyone in the top 5. He is the toughest fighter in the world, and nobody would want to face him.
” I hope to get the top 5 and my next fight will be big .”
Tsarukyan looked to get closer and to turn his grappling, while Ismagulov was on the ground. Ismagulov showed incredible balance as he resisted Tsarukyan’s wrestling and actually fell into the mount during a reversal as the lightweights fell to the floor.
The fight quickly worked back to the feet but Tsarukyan was relentless in his pursuit as he continued charging forward while attempting to drag the fight down to the ground. Ismagulov was back with a great defense, but Tsarukyan kept him in check as he tried to take down every attempt.
Tsarukyan finally took control of the position with less than three minutes left in round 2. He looked at applying the rear naked choke and took the back. But Ismagulov refused.
Tsarukyan continued to follow the same strategy as Ismagulov, causing him headaches every time he tried to get inside. Then he would drag Ismagulov down to the ground. Each time, Ismagulov found a way to break free and work back to his feet but he was still stuck in cement with Tsarukyan bullying him around the cage.
As time ran out, Tsarukyan grabbed the back with the hopes of ending the fight. However Ismagulov was able to resist the temptation until the end.
While it may not end up as his most memorable performance, Tsarukyan was still able to outwork Ismagulov over and over again to get the victory with hopes that he’ll earn even bigger fights in the new year including a potential rematch with the reigning UFC lightweight champion.
“My goal is to do a rematch with Islam Makhachev,” Tsarukyan said. “I gave him the toughest fight in the UFC. I need a big fight and I’ll get a title shot. 2023 will be my year .”
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/17/23514722/ufc-vegas-66-results-arman-tsarukyan-uses-grappling-heavy-game-plan-to-beat-damir-ismagulov?rand=96749
