It appears Arman Tsarukyan’s larger-than-life adventures just keep stacking up one after another.
Tsarukyan has been staying active outside the Octagon as he awaits his next UFC booking, having competed just once since his split decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.
“Ahalkalakets” was originally set to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025, but was forced to withdraw during fight week due to an apparent injury. Since then, Tsarukyan has stayed busy on the grappling circuit, competing in nine wrestling and submission bouts across various promotions worldwide.
Amid his many offbeat pursuits, the 29-year-old Armenian also faced Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last November, securing a submission victory. In just the first quarter of 2026, he has already competed four times outside the MMA promotion.
Beyond competition, Tsarukyan has remained highly visible on social media, indulging in extravagant food experiences and appearing on various streams, often alongside influencers, most notably Nina-Marie Daniele, aka Nina Drama, which has further boosted his popularity.
“Ahalkalakets” has now taken his run of wild adventures to another level, as he attempted to lock in a choke on a crocodile.
Arman Tsarukyan Attempts To Submit Real Alligator
Arman Tsarukyan returned to action last Saturday, taking on former foe Georgio Poullas in the main event of RAF 07 and securing a decision victory. Just two days later, “Ahalkalakets” made his way to Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale, where he appeared on a live stream alongside Nina Drama and KICK streamer N3ON.
During the stream, the No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight entered the alligator enclosure, went as far as sitting on the giant reptile’s back, and even hilariously inquired about attempting a rear-naked choke.
Although park staff assured him it was safe, Tsarukyan chose not to risk placing his arm near the crocodile’s jaws, instead playfully mimicking a choke for laughs. The alligator was carefully handled by the nearby trainers as the MMA fighter humorously acted like he was riding it, bouncing slightly in the process.
Arman Tsarukyan is now set to face former UFC veteran Urijah Faber in the co-main event of RAF 08 on April 18, scheduled to take place at the Liacouras Center at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
