TBILISI, Georgia — Arman Tsarukyan shut out Kuat Khamitov by technical superiority at RAF Georgia on July 11, extending his unbeaten run to 7-0 in the promotion. The UFC lightweight contender, fighting in Tbilisi, dominated the Kazakhstan opponent from the opening bell. He led 11-0 before the bout ended early in the third period. The match served as Tsarukyan’s final tune-up before a potential Octagon showdown with Colby Covington.
The crowd in Tbilisi was hostile. Fans booed Tsarukyan throughout the match and chanted the name of Ilia Topuria, the Georgian UFC featherweight champion. Topuria’s rivalry with Tsarukyan, rooted in their Armenian and Georgian backgrounds, fueled the tension. Tsarukyan remained unfazed, using the negative energy as motivation.
Tsarukyan’s victory was a display of elite grappling. He controlled the contest from start to finish. Khamitov did not score a single point. The technical superiority finish highlighted Tsarukyan’s ability to accumulate points rapidly. This performance mirrors his previous RAF matches, where he has consistently overwhelmed opponents with relentless pressure and takedowns.
The dominant win sets the stage for a potential fight with Colby Covington. Both are top lightweight contenders. Covington, known for his cardio and trash-talking, contrasts sharply with Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy style. A matchup between the two could serve as a title eliminator or a co-main event for a major pay-per-view card.
Tsarukyan has maintained a busy schedule outside the UFC. His 7-0 run in RAF includes wins over Tony Ferguson and others. Staying active in the free-style wrestling circuit keeps him sharp and builds hype. The UFC has not made an official announcement regarding the Covington fight, but public statements from both fighters suggest negotiations are underway.
If the fight is confirmed, it could be announced in late 2026 or early 2027. The timeline depends on ongoing talks with UFC President Dana White. Fans are divided on who would win. Do you favor Tsarukyan or Covington in this matchup?
Match Statistics: Arman Tsarukyan vs. Kuat Khamitov
| Category | Arman Tsarukyan | Kuat Khamitov |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 11 | 0 |
| Technical Superiority | Yes (Early 3rd Period) | No |
| Control Time | Full Match | None |
| Previous RAF Record | 7-0 | N/A |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Arman Tsarukyan win at RAF Georgia?
- A: Tsarukyan won by technical superiority, leading 11-0 before the bout ended early in the third period.
- Q: Why did the crowd in Tbilisi boo Tsarukyan?
- A: The crowd was hostile due to Tsarukyan’s Armenian background and rivalry with Georgian UFC champion Ilia Topuria.
- Q: Is Colby Covington likely to fight Tsarukyan next?
- A: Yes, both are top lightweight contenders, and a matchup could serve as a title eliminator or co-main event for a major pay-per-view card.
Extended Reading
According to reports from MMA Fighting, Tsarukyan “did not allow a single point” against Khamitov, reinforcing his status as a dominant force in the lightweight division. Bloody Elbow noted the crowd’s boos and chants for Ilia Topuria, emphasizing the political and cultural tensions at the event. Sportaran confirmed the technical superiority finish, stating Tsarukyan controlled the contest from “start to finish.”