RAF Wrestling: Poullas Braces for Tsarukyan Rematch After Explosive Encounter

Whatever happens this time, Georgio Poullas isn’t expecting any surprises. Whether Arman Tsarukyan attempts another aggressive move during their wrestling match, or if their highly anticipated rematch at RAF 7 this Saturday immediately escalates into a physical altercation, Poullas insists he’s prepared for anything Tsarukyan might throw his way – both during and after the competition.

“I can tell you, I’ll be ready for it this time, whatever happens,” Poullas told Uncrowned. “What [Tsarukyan] did was a cowardly act. If you’re going to engage, do it with respect, face-to-face. Don’t resort to underhanded tactics.”

The Viral Moment at RAF 6

For those unfamiliar with the initial incident at RAF 6, here’s a recap:

• Tsarukyan objected to Poullas’ use of clubbing hands and responded with an illegal open-hand slap, resulting in a point deduction.
• Poullas continued his approach and was also penalized a point.
• Tensions escalated, and Tsarukyan attempted a strike on Poullas between rounds, requiring officials to intervene.
• Tsarukyan narrowly won the match (5-3), but the real drama unfolded afterward.

The video that went viral showed Tsarukyan shoving Poullas to the ground after the match concluded, then proceeding to punch him before security could separate them. A knee strike was also attempted amidst the chaos. Commentators on the FOX Nation broadcast expressed their disapproval of the unsportsmanlike conduct.

A Brawl Built for the Viral Age

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, fueled by Tsarukyan’s reputation as a hot-headed UFC contender. This is the same fighter who confronted a fan at UFC 300 for a disrespectful gesture and head-butted an opponent during weigh-ins. It seems Tsarukyan struggles to maintain composure even outside the confines of the cage.

Poullas believes Tsarukyan’s behavior stems from frustration. “I think when he gets a tough opponent who frustrates him, he acts out,” Poullas explained. “He clearly lacks respect for his opponents. When challenged, he doesn’t know how to handle it.”

From Street Challenges to Viral Fame

Ironically, the incident has been beneficial for Poullas, a savvy self-promoter. He initially gained attention through social media challenges, offering $1,000 to anyone who could take him down in a wrestling match. This gimmick proved highly effective on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. While his wrestling accolades at Cleveland State and Rider University were notable, he’s now widely recognized as a “social media influencer.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” Poullas said. “I am an influencer and a wrestler, but people know me because of social media. I saw a gap in the market – no one was promoting wrestling online. There wasn’t money in the sport. I enjoyed wrestling, wanted to grow it, and make some money. It was a win-win.”

Getting into a brawl with Tsarukyan, he argues, was even more valuable than winning the match. His only regret is not landing a counter-punch before the situation was broken up.

Rematch at RAF 7 and Beyond

“Anything that happens like that, a brawl with two high-level guys, it’s bound to be viral,” Poullas said. “I’m not upset at the fact that it happened. It brought a lot of attention to this sport and I think it did great things for the sport. In the heat of the moment, yeah, I wanted to fight the guy. I was looking for him, but there were just so many people out there so quick that I didn’t get a chance to throw a punch back. But I think for the sport and just the virality of it, I think it was a good thing.”

The rematch at RAF 7, just a month after the initial encounter, has kept his name in the headlines. Poullas has even signed a contract for an MMA fight, details of which he is currently unable to disclose.

Poullas is prepared for another volatile confrontation. “I won’t be surprised if there’s another brawl,” he stated. “I’ll be ready.” And if it comes to that, he added with a determined glint, “I’d love a chance to punch that guy in the face.”

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