Arman Tsarukyan outclasses four-time All-American wrestler, stuns Chael Sonnen

UFC star Arman Tsarukyan left Chael Sonnen stunned by outclassing four-time All-American wrestler Lance Palmer at RAF05.

Tsarukyan is in a red-hot form, and he is dismantling opponents outside the premium MMA promotion as well.

Currently, Arman is not in the ideal spot, as the UFC is not interested in giving him an opportunity against the champion at 155 pounds; however, he continues to stay active by competing outside of the premier promotion.

Since his victory against Dan Hooker in November 2025, the Armenian has fought three times under various rulesets, including a grappling clash with fellow UFC star Shara Magomedov, which ended in a draw on December 30.

This past Saturday, Tsarukyan was tested at wrestling mats at RAF05, where he was up against four-time All-American wrestler Palmer.

Palmer is famous for his dominant college wrestling career; however, in 2019, the American clinched the PFL featherweight tournament title.

However, despite Palmer’s strong wrestling resume, the 29-year-old totally dominated him and raced on to a 10-0 technical fall in the very first period.

After his impressive performance, Tsarukyan left the RAF commentator, analyst, and UFC legend Chael Sonnen stunned.

“This was not supposed to happen. This was not supposed to happen. Not this way. Wow!” Sonnen said after witnessing Tsarukyan’s explosive performance.

Despite his dominant performances and being the No.1 contender for a shot at the lightweight title, UFC CEO Dana White is not ready to give him a chance.

He has called out lightweight champion Ilia Topuria multiple times, but it seems like UFC and the ‘El Matador’ are not interested.

After Topuria recently announced that he is moving away from MMA for some time to deal with personal issues, White announced Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje interim lightweight title fight, which will take place on January 24, 2026, snubbing Tsarukyan.