Arman Tsarukyan wins by tech fall at RAF Georgia ahead of Covington clash

Arman Tsarukyan blanked Kuat Khamitov by technical fall Saturday night at RAF Georgia, moving to 7-0 in the wrestling promotion with one week left before his showdown against Colby Covington.

The UFC lightweight contender finished the match with 54 seconds remaining after a quick takedown put him up 11-0, according to MMA Fighting. Tsarukyan controlled both the feet and the mat across three periods, frustrating Khamitov with repeated double-leg shots that piled up seven points in the first two rounds.

Tsarukyan celebrates with crowd dive

After the stoppage, Tsarukyan addressed the crowd in Tbilisi. "Georgia thank you so much for the hospitality," he said, per the report. "Give me anybody from Georgia, I'll beat him." He then dove off the stage into a group of supporters.

Khamitov, a veteran MMA fighter, managed to get in deep on a single-leg attempt in the third period but could not finish. Tsarukyan reversed the position for two more points before closing out the match with another rapid double-leg sequence.

The win sets up a July 18 meeting with Covington in Milwaukee at RAF 11. Covington, a former All-American wrestler in college, is 2-0 in the promotion and should provide Tsarukyan with his toughest test on the mats to date.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Arman Tsarukyan shuts out latest opponent at RAF Georgia in final match before facing Colby Covington