Arman Tsarukyan nearly sparked another chaotic scene when he stepped on Dillon Danis after a dominant victory in the RAF 14 main event.
A day after Tsarukyan attacked Danis during the pre-event press conference, security was on alert Friday evening.
In the match itself, Tsarukyan barely broke a sweat as he scored takedowns and turned to quickly rack up 10 points to end the match via tech fall. But as soon as the match ended, Tsarukyan stepped on Danis as he got back to his feet and it seemed like a melee was inevitable.
But this time, RAF personnel were ready as security flooded the mats to keep the athletes separated. Despite the controversial ending, Danis stood up and shook Tsarukyan’s hand afterward, although the UFC’s top lightweight contender does not consider the rivalry settled.
“No, it’s over if we fight together,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m wrestling back to back with top grapplers. Come support me in Abu Dhabi.”
Tsarukyan seemingly slapped Danis to open the match before scoring with a push as the referee issued a quick warning. Tsarukyan then scored a takedown for two more points before returning to his feet.
Another release point for Tsarukyan allowed him to take a four-point lead before scoring a takedown, which led to another quick run of accumulated points.
Before he knew it, Tsarkyan led 10-0 to end the match on technical superiority in the first period. At the end of the match, Tsarukyan stepped on Danis as he got up from the mat as security flooded the mats before chaos ensued.
Admittedly, Danis kept his cool and did not retaliate as security separated them.
Tsarukyan is now preparing for his next match in three weeks in Abu Dhabi while hoping his next fight will be against UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
Gn sports
