RAF 14: Tsarukyan tech-falls Danis for crossover title, Caliendo upsets Burroughs

Arman Tsarukyan needed around 80 seconds, according to Combat Sports UK, to finish one of RAF's most heated builds, piling up takedowns, step-outs and a turn against Dillon Danis, who had cut down to 175lb. Their press conference ended in a brawl after Danis wore a shirt mocking Tsarukyan's teammate Khamzat Chimaev. Yardbarker reports Tsarukyan slapped Danis early and drew a referee warning, then stepped on him as he got up, and security moved in. Danis did not retaliate and shook hands. Asked by Chael Sonnen whether the feud was over, Tsarukyan said it ends only when they fight in the cage.

The upset reshaped Tsarukyan's plans. After Jordan Burroughs lost to Mikey Caliendo, Tsarukyan said at the post-event press conference that Burroughs no longer interests him, and named St-Pierre as the opponent he would like if RAF signs him. "I want to collect all big names, all the best fighters," he said, per Combat Sports UK. In MMA, he still hopes his next UFC fight is against lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Knockout Daily notes neither a Burroughs nor a St-Pierre match is booked.

Chimaev ended his co-main with 20 seconds left in the first period, according to ActuMMA, then told MMA Fighting he was glad to finally face Colby Covington and vowed to break his neck. Former Bellator champion Alexander Shlemenko, beaten in his RAF debut, said in a YouTube video that he lacked wrestling experience but gained a lot from the night.

RAF also wants to go to Armenia, aiming for early 2027, with Tsarukyan seen as the one to close the deal.

 

[Scheels]

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