Michael Chandler responds to Arman Tsarukyan's provocation and declares: 'I'll crush you'

Michael Chandler responds to provocation from Arman Tsarukyan . Photo: Reproduction/X

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Michael Chandler didn't back down. The 39-year-old fighter made a point of responding to Arman Tsarukyan 's provocation and accepting his challenge. The Armenian had proposed that Chandler fight him in a grappling match.

In an interview with 'The Schmo' at the RAF (Real American Freestyle) event, Michael Chandler accepted Arman Tsarukyan 's challenge and took the opportunity to guarantee that he would "crush" the Armenian. Despite the respect shown for his attitude of remaining active while not fighting for the UFC, the American guarantees that he would emerge victorious in a grappling match.

"I want to say something about Arman Tsarukyan . Something I really respect about him is that, even when he's not fighting in the UFC, he stays active. Competing in grappling championships, participating in events... that's something I recognize in him: he stays active."

That being said, I would absolutely crush Arman Tsarukyan in a grappling tournament. I'll also say that he has improved a lot, he's very good, very impressive. But Lance Palmer (the opponent Arman beat at RAF 05) wasn't as good as he should have been.

Still, I would crush Arman in a grappling tournament at the RAF. But I have something bigger in mind later this summer, I think everyone already knows (the possibility of UFC White House against Conor McGregor ),” said Michael Chandler in an interview with 'The Schmo'.

Michael Chandler accepts the wrestling challenge from Arman Tsarukyan 🔥

“I'd absolutely love to smash Arman Tsarukyan in a wrestling match after watching him tonight.”

(Via: @TheSchmo312 ) https://t.co/FNuaaChzlO pic.twitter.com/OoNVO9MjcS

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 11, 2026

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