Exclusive: Shara “Bullet” Magomedov Draws UFC Belt on Back Brace for Arman Tsarukyan

The Armenian Report had the opportunity to speak exclusively with UFC fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Shara “Bullet” Magomedov ahead of a major press conference in Yerevan, as anticipation continues to grow around their upcoming matchup at a Hype FC event scheduled for December 30.

During his interview with The Armenian Report before the press conference, Shara Bullet spoke about his visit to Armenia and described it as a new country he plans to “conquer.” He explained that this goal does not involve dominance in a traditional sense, but rather winning over the fans. He said his focus is on earning the support of people who love combat sports and appreciate what fighters bring into the cage: emotion, excitement, and entertainment. According to him, this connection with fans is the main reason for his visit to Armenia, and he believes that strong fan support helps fighters move forward and reach new places in their careers.

Shara Bullet also shared his thoughts on facing Arman Tsarukyan, describing the matchup as a serious confrontation and a true test. He acknowledged Tsarukyan’s wrestling strength and said that fights can be unpredictable, with emotions sometimes playing a role. He noted that fighters must adjust to the situation in front of them and be ready for anything inside the competition area.

When asked about the possibility of Armenia hosting a UFC event in the future, Shara Bullet expressed optimism. He pointed out that Armenia has well-known athletes like Tsarukyan, as well as wealthy and influential individuals who could potentially help bring a major UFC tournament to the country.

One of the more symbolic moments discussed ahead of the event was Shara Bullet’s idea to draw a UFC belt on a back belt in front of The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan and present it to Arman Tsarukyan during the press conference. He spoke about the importance of health, especially Tsarukyan’s back injury, and suggested that staying healthy is the key step toward earning a real UFC championship belt in the future. He emphasized that Tsarukyan still has strong chances ahead of him, with health being the top priority.

Arman Tsarukyan also shared his thoughts with The Armenian Report. Reacting to the idea of receiving a drawn UFC belt as a gift, he said he would be happy to accept anything his opponent wants to give him. Tsarukyan spoke confidently about his preparation and said he feels very ready for the upcoming competition in Armenia. He expressed excitement about competing at home and said he cannot wait to step onto the mat and aim for victory.

When asked whether Armenia could host a UFC event one day, Tsarukyan responded that such discussions might be possible after he becomes a champion.

Before their face-off, Shara Bullet presented Tsarukyan with a back belt bearing the UFC logo. During the press conference, Tsarukyan spoke openly about his motivation and love for the sport, saying:

“I like what I do. I love this sport. I am constantly motivated by the goal of having a UFC championship belt, simply a gold belt. I like to fight and to make my fans happy. When I found out that such a tournament would be held in Armenia, I immediately agreed, without asking who my opponent would be or how much my fee would be, because I was ready to agree under any conditions. This will be my first fight in Armenia, and I am eagerly waiting for the moment I step into the octagon.

My fight with Bullet is one round, six minutes long. I would like it to last ten minutes. I feel no pressure or tension knowing that more than 8,000 fans will be watching me in the arena. Knowing my experience, my many fights, and knowing myself, I will go all the way and do everything possible to finish with a victory,” said Arman Tsarukyan.

Shara Bullet also addressed the crowd and media, explaining that his goal in being there was to support Tsarukyan and ensure a strong and exciting contest.

“I am here today so that Arman feels good, is happy, and smiles. It seemed as if everything was arranged so that I would either not arrive in Armenia or arrive very tired and worn out, but I am in very good condition and ready for our fight,” said Shara Bullet.

The press conference itself lasted around four hours and featured all participants from the 12 scheduled fights at the Hype Fighting event. Fighters took turns speaking, exchanging challenges, provoking each other, and answering questions from journalists and fans. At the very end of the event, only Tsarukyan and Bullet returned to face the media once more, highlighting their roles as the main figures of the evening.

The upcoming match comes at an important moment in Arman Tsarukyan’s career. Despite being ranked as the UFC’s No. 1 lightweight contender, he has not received a title opportunity. In November, Tsarukyan strengthened his position by submitting Dan Hooker, a result that many believed would lead to a fight against current champion Ilia Topuria. However, after Topuria announced a temporary break, the UFC chose to organize an interim lightweight title fight instead, booking Justin Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett and leaving Tsarukyan out of the title picture.

UFC President Dana White later commented on Tsarukyan’s situation, referring to the fighter’s withdrawal from a scheduled title fight earlier this year against then-champion Islam Makhachev due to a back injury. White indicated that Tsarukyan would need to prove himself again before receiving another title shot.

With no UFC bout scheduled for 2025 and his last Octagon appearance dating back to April 2024, Tsarukyan has stayed active through grappling competitions. Between May and September, he earned submission victories over Makkasharip Zaynukov, Patricky Pitbull, and former UFC champion Benson Henderson.

That momentum will continue on December 30 in Yerevan, where Tsarukyan will headline a Hype FC event against Shara Magomedov, known as Shara “Bullet.” The match will be held under submission-only jiu-jitsu rules, with no points or judges, meaning the bout can only end by tap-out. It will take place at 185 pounds, the weight class Magomedov competes in, while Tsarukyan usually fights at 155 pounds.

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