Arman Tsarukyan has been warned not to underestimate his next opponent outside the UFC.
Despite five straight wins and top contender status, Tsarukyan remains without a lightweight title shot.
The Armenian submitted Dan Hooker in November but was overlooked again for interim title plans.
Instead, he continues to stay active in grappling competitions.
Tsarukyan will face Shara Magomedov on December 30 at a Hype FC event in Armenia.
Magomedov competes at middleweight in MMA but believes size alone will not define the contest.
He warned that Tsarukyan’s reputation will not guarantee success.
Magomedov said it is “not easy to drown a pirate” and expects a tough fight.
Tsarukyan enters the bout in strong grappling form after several high-profile submissions.
He is also scheduled to debut with Real American Freestyle in January.
