Arman Tsarukyan stunned after meeting former UFC rival: ‘How did I fight with you?’

Arman Tsarukyan became heavily involved with livestream content in recent months while continuing his wait for another UFC lightweight title opportunity.

The Armenian contender regularly appears alongside influencer Nina Drama, using those streams to increase his popularity and maintain visibility around the MMA community.

During Wednesday’s broadcast with Nina, Tsarukyan produced a funny moment after unexpectedly meeting former opponent Joel Alvarez and immediately reacting to the Spaniard’s impressive physical size.

Arman Tsarukyan stunned by size of former rival Joel Alvarez

Tsarukyan fought and defeated Alvarez back in February 2022 via technical knockout.

However, seeing ‘El Fenomeno’ again in person clearly surprised Tsarukyan, who questioned how he previously managed to control and overpower the towering Spaniard during their earlier meeting.

“You’re so big bro, how did I fight with you? I don’t know. How could I take you down?” the lightweight contender said.

“I don’t know too,” Alvarez replied laughing before both fighters agreed they should each win titles in their respective divisions before eventually booking a rematch in the future.

Alvarez is now preparing to face Yaroslav Amosov in the UFC 328 prelims this Saturday while attempting to break into the welterweight rankings with a statement victory.

Joel Alvarez could rise quickly with another victory

Alvarez enters UFC 328 riding an impressive four-fight winning streak since suffering the defeat against Tsarukyan more than four years ago.

Three of those victories came at lightweight before ‘El Fenomeno’ ultimately decided to move up permanently to the welterweight division.

A fifth consecutive win could quickly elevate Alvarez into serious contention as Amosov has only lost once in his 30-fight professional MMA career, despite their bout being just his second in the UFC.

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