Arman Tsarukyan defeated Beneil Dariush via KO (knee and punches), Round 1 - 1:04 at UFC Austin on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, live from Moody Center in Austin, TX.
"For sure, I was expecting to win by knockout. I wanted to get the knockout and get a title shot. I want to say thank you, Beneil. He is the most respectful guy in the division. Hopefully, the next fight will be for the title. If not, I'll fight next month," said Tsarukyan.
ONE MINUTE IS ALL HE NEEDED 👊@ArmanUFC makes quick work of Beneil Dariush at #UFCAustin pic.twitter.com/m65yigcNhp
— UFC (@ufc) December 3, 2023
Tsarukyan landed a knee and followed it up with a right hook that dropped Dariush. Tsarukyan jumped on top and immediately finished the fight. The knockout impressed many UFC fighters who took to social media to praise Tsarukyan.
Wow @ArmanUfc is a problem I want to see that rematch with Islam #UFCAustin
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) December 3, 2023
What did just happen?? 😳 Tsarukyan made a HUGE statement tonight
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) December 3, 2023
#UFCAustin
Let’s get Islam x Arman early next year I’m ready for it #UFCAustin
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) December 3, 2023
Damn that combo was lethal #UFCAustin
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) December 3, 2023
What a knockout from @ArmanUfc. That was nasty! #UFCAustin
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) December 3, 2023
Damn 😞 #UFCAustin
— Jared Vanderaa (@Jaredvanderaa) December 3, 2023
Tsarukyan was coming off a two fight win streak, holding recent wins over Joaquim Silva and Damir Ismagulov. His win over Dariush was arguably the biggest of his career so far.
Dariush was hoping to bounce back from a loss over Charles Oliveira, having gone eight in a row before meeting the former champion.