Arman Tsarukyan nearly set off another chaotic scene when he stepped on Dillon Danis following a dominant win in the RAF 14 main event.
One day removed from Tsarukyan actually attacking Danis at the pre-event press conference, security was on high alert come Friday night.
In the actual match, Tsarukyan barely broke a sweat as he scored takedowns and turns to quickly rack up 10 points to end the match by tech fall. But as soon as the match ended, Tsarukyan actually stepped on Danis as he was getting back to his feet and it appeared a melee was inevitable.
But this time the RAF staff was prepared as security flooded the mats to keep the athletes separated. Despite the contentious ending, Danis actually stood and shook Tsarukyan’s hand afterwards, although the top ranked UFC lightweight contender doesn’t consider the rivalry settled.
“No it’s over if we fight together,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m wrestling back to back with high level grapples. Come to support me in Abu Dhabi.”
Tsarukyan seemingly slapped Danis to open the match before scoring with a push out as the referee issued a quick warning. Tsarukyan then snatched a takdedown for another two points before restart on the feet.
Another step out point for Tsarukyan put him up four before he snatched a takedown and that led to another quick series of points getting racked up.
Before he knew it, Tsarkyan was up 10-0 to end the match by technical superiority in the first period. When the match ended, Tsarukyan stepped on Danis as he got up off the mat as security flooded the mats before mayhem could unfold.
To his credit, Danis kept his cool and didn’t retaliate as security kept them apart.
Now Tsarukyan prepares for his next match in three weeks in Abu Dhabi while holding out hope that his next fight comes against UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.