On December 30, a major combat sports event — Hype Fighting Armenia — took place in Yerevan at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. The tournament drew a full house, with all 8,000 seats sold out and many fans watching the fights standing.
The audience witnessed grappling matches and bare-knuckle fights featuring well-known athletes. Armenian fighters delivered an outstanding performance, securing 8 victories in bare-knuckle bouts, while the main event of the evening ended in a hard-fought draw.
The organization of the tournament received high praise, and the head of the Hype Fighting promotion announced plans to hold several more events in Armenia in 2026.
During the event, legendary Armenian athletes were also present: Vic Darchinyan entered the ring to announce the winner of Lendrush Hakobyan’s fight, while Marat Grigorian was in the corner of Davit Khachatryan.
Main Event — Grappling
Arman Tsarukyan vs Shara Bullet
Result: Draw
The headline bout was a grappling match in the up to 84 kg category between UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan and Sharabutdin Magomedov (Shara Bullet). The contest followed submission-only rules and lasted 6 minutes.
According to the regulations, if no submission occurs within the allotted time, the fight is declared a draw. Despite this, Tsarukyan executed two impressive takedowns and worked actively on the ground, entertaining the crowd. The bout ended in a draw, leaving fans eager for a potential rematch.
Bare-Knuckle Fights: Bright Wins for Armenian Fighters
Arman Tsarukyan (debutant) vs Haskil Amirkhanov
Result: Tsarukyan wins by KO in Round 2
The tournament opened with a spectacular debut by Arman Tsarukyan, who accepted the fight on short notice and scored a knockout victory.
Armen Ataev vs Isa Alibekov
Result: Ataev wins by unanimous decision
Vage “Mex” Sarukhanyan vs Gadzhi “Skala” Makhdiev
Result: Sarukhanyan wins by unanimous decision
Edgar “Rubaka” Hovhannisyan vs Khochbar “Spetsnaz” Dakaev
Result: Hovhannisyan wins by unanimous decision
Aziz Kamalov vs Khamzat Khadzhimuratov
Result: Kamalov wins by unanimous decision
The most thrilling fight of the night.
Abdumalik Abbi vs Maksim Solovyov
Result: Abbi wins by KO in Round 1
Roman “Tornado” Kalashyan vs Suleiman “The Executioner” Makhmadov
Result: Kalashyan wins (opponent retired)
Sulim “Villain” Bisultanov vs Yakov Bukin
Result: Bisultanov wins by split decision
Gennady “Motivator” Makaryan vs Shamil “Black Prince” Gasanbekov
Result: Makaryan wins by KO in Round 1
Davit Khachatryan vs Abubakar Mamedov
Result: Khachatryan wins by TKO in Round 2
This marked his ninth bare-knuckle victory.
Lendrush “Leko” Hakobyan vs Amirkhan “White Lion” Oev
Result: Hakobyan wins by unanimous decision
Timur “Lucky” Abdurakhmanov vs Ibrahim “Nikarkho” Islamov
Result: Islamov wins by TKO in Round 2
Tournament Summary
HYPE Armenia became one of the biggest and most successful combat sports events in the history of Armenian MMA and bare-knuckle fighting. High-level organization, sold-out stands, thrilling fights, and the dominance of local fighters turned the event into a true celebration for fans.
The organizers confirmed that Hype Fighting will continue to develop in Armenia, with new tournaments planned for 2026.