Arman Tsarukyan denies training with Colby Covington, calls for wrestling match

Arman Tsarukyan has denied a claim that he once trained with Colby Covington.

Covington told media members that there’s a good story for a potential wrestling match with Tsarukyan, claiming the two shared the mats at American Top Team. While Tsarukyan didn’t deny that he’s seen Covington in passing at the gym, he told reporters that the welterweight’s claim isn’t true (via MMAFighting).

“I’ve never trained with you,” Tsarukyan said. “I’ve seen you in the gym but we never wrestled. There’s thousands of Dagestani and Chechen guys who look similar. Nobody beat me in ATT and especially you in the wrestling. You have just good cardio, that’s all.

“Dillon Danis almost beat your ass! He gave you points. He has zero freestyle wrestling. How you gave him points? I can wrestle anybody, anywhere. Let’s make it happen.”

Tsarukyan and Covington have both had success under the Real American Freestyle (RAF) banner. Tsarukyan is 3-0 in RAF, scoring two victories over Georgio Poullas and a win over Lance Palmer. Covington has a 2-0 RAF record with a sweep over Luke Rockhold and a 14-4 win over Dillon Danis.

It wasn’t all trash talk from “Ahalkalakets.” The No. 2-ranked UFC lightweight said he wants to test himself against a “legit wrestler” in Covington. He expressed his belief in his skills to be able to outlast “Chaos.”

Tsarukyan and Covington have enjoyed their time away from the action inside the Octagon. While Tsarukyan continues to be in the UFC doghouse, Covington is picking up wins for the first time since 2022. Perhaps there is no better time for both men to meet on the mats during a RAF event at some point in 2026.

If Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington have a wrestling match, who do you think will end up winning? Drop your take in the comments below.