Georgio Poullas vs Arman Tsarukyan: Far From A Spectacle Match

Arman Tsarukyan is one of the most surprisingly active athletes on the internet. The stone cold wrestler turned fighter isn’t a traditionally engaging or comedic personality but he’s popped up in interviews with Nina Drama, Matan Even and many more since signing with RAF and shown the world there’s a side of him that’s willing to “play the game.”

Georgio Poullas continued his “Take Me Down, Win $1000” campaign at RAF 05 when he took on Mugzy and per the usual, Poullas’ bank account was no worse for the wear.

Both men might be masters of getting clicks but they will be in no mood for playing games when they step on the mat at RAF 06.

While this match may come off as a novelty match, on paper, because neither men are seen traditionally as wrestlers in the same way that Bo Nickal, Kyle Dake or others are, neither men are planning to tolerate any disrespect toward their wrestling acumen.

Poullas is a high school State Champion in Ohio, one of the toughest wrestling states in the country. His “Take Me Down, Win $1000” gimmick might be to gain recognition online, it takes as much confidence as it does creativity to present that offer to the world and he stands on his offer time and time again.

Tsarukyan may be seen as a fighter now but nobody in combat sports takes pride in their ground game more than Tsarukyan. He doesn’t wrestle opponents, he flat out mauls them. It’s unclear if Poullas’ offer will stand at RAF 06 but Tsarukyan may have already committed the money to something.

Both men are going to come in like they’re shot out of a cannon and nobody in the audience will mistake it for a “fun” match.

Poullas will bring to Tempe a style built for chaos. Athletic, unpredictable and confident, he thrives in scrambles and thrives even more when opponents try to match his pace or get in his head. Tsarukyan brings a different kind of danger. He brings discipline, pressure and that mauling style that has broken down nearly every opponent in every combat sport he’s faced.

While at two very different ends of the spectrum, both men have a flash and style that doesn’t just defeat opponents. It embarrasses them.

RAF has upped the wrestling expectations for both men. The opponents aren’t Ohio high schoolers and we’ve stripped away strikes and the cage. What’s left is pure wrestling instinct and that’s where questions get answered fast. Can Tsarukyan’s control-heavy approach translate seamlessly to a freestyle environment? Or does Poullas’ openness and creativity expose gaps that don’t exist inside the Octagon?

Both men have unique paths to victory and they’re both putting equal pressure on themselves to prove they’re more than just a novelty act.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Pace vs Patience: Poullas wants speed. Tsarukyan wants patience and a chance to demoralize Poullas over time. Whoever imposes their rhythm early may never give it back.

Ruleset Reality Check: MMA wrestling and freestyle wrestling overlap but they are not the same. Transitions, exposure awareness and scoring instincts under RAF rules could decide this match more than strength or brute force.

Tsarukyan’s Control Game: Tsarukyan isn’t a “wrestler for a night,” he’s a divisional boogeyman with an ability to slow exchanges, win positional battles and shut down transitions even among highly-touted foes. If he dictates where the match is wrestled, his experience advantage looms large and he will use the opportunity to wear Poullas down to nothing.

Win or lose, both men will likely show the world they’re no longer “the guys who also wrestle.” They’re to be respected, feared and thought twice about when their names are presented. That much is certain but what’s still up in the air is who will leave Arizona with their hand raised?

Can Georgio Poullas bring the Midwest grit to Tsarukyan or will one of the most feared UFC lightweights continue dominating multiple combat sports? Find out Saturday, February 28 ONLY on Fox Nation!

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