Tsarukyan steps on Danis after 10-0 shutout at RAF 14, demands UFC title shot

Arman Tsarukyan defeated Dillon Danis by technical superiority at RAF 14 on Friday night, winning 10-0 in the first period before deliberately stepping on Danis as he rose from the mat — triggering a security intervention that nearly turned the event into a second consecutive riot.

The provocation came 24 hours after Tsarukyan had physically attacked Danis at the pre-event press conference, leaving RAF staff on high alert for the main event itself. They were ready: security flooded the mats the moment Tsarukyan’s foot made contact with his opponent, keeping the two men separated before the situation could escalate.

On the mat, the match itself was one-sided from the opening exchange. Tsarukyan appeared to slap Danis before the referee had fully started proceedings, earning a quick warning, but he quickly imposed his grappling game — scoring a push-out, snatching takedowns, and accumulating turns to race to a 10-0 lead and end the contest by tech fall inside the first period.

Danis, to his credit, kept his composure despite the post-match provocation and shook Tsarukyan’s hand once security had restored order. The gesture did little to soften Tsarukyan’s stance on where the rivalry stands.

“No it’s over if we fight together,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m wrestling back to back with high level grapples. Come to support me in Abu Dhabi.”

Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete again in Abu Dhabi in three weeks. The top-ranked UFC lightweight contender made clear his ambitions extend well beyond the grappling circuit, with his sights set on a fight against UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.