This is the live blog for the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Benson Henderson grappling no-gi superfight that takes place Friday at an Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu event in Moscow.
Tsarukyan competes in his third grappling match of 2025. The top UFC lightweight contender was supposed to fight Islam Makhachev in the championship main event of UFC 311 in January, but was forced to withdraw from the contest due to a back injury. He has stayed busy with grappling wins over Bellator veteran Patricky Pitbull and Makkasharip Zaynukov.
A former UFC lightweight champion, Henderson has not competed in MMA since announcing his retirement in 2023. That hasn’t stopped “Bendo” from staying busy in combat sports as he has continued to fight under boxing, karate, and grappling rules.
Tsarukyan and Henderson compete under ACBJJ rules, which means they will grapple for one seven-minute round with the winner determined by judges should neither fighter find a finish.
See the live blog for Arman Tsarukyan vs. Benson Henderson below.
Henderson and Tsarukyan both out to a rousing ovation. Lots of energy from the crowd, many of whom must have been here for hours waiting for this main event.
Nine minutes on the clock.
Tsarukyan pressing forward immediately. After some brief hand fighting, Tsarukyan goes for the neck and he has a D’Arce attempt going. Henderson, always difficult to submit, hangs in there as Tsarukyan releases and pushes him down. Henderson welcomes Tsarukyan into his guard.
Tsarukyan so active from the top and there’s another D’Arce attempt. He tries to tie up one of Henderson’s legs, but Bendo slips out of that. Henderson going for rubber guard as Tsarukyan looks to stay heavy. Tsarukyan in side control and he’s hunting for a kimura.
Tsarukyan’s control earns him a point and he’s 1-0 on the cards.
Henderson stuck now, not in any immediate danger, but unable to improve his position as Tsarukyan works from side control. Tsarukyan looking to pass and attack the neck, but Henderson shrimping to avoid the submission.
Back take by Tsarukyan and this could be trouble for Henderson. Hooks are almost in for Tsarukyan as Henderson fights the hands.
Tsarukyan putting the squeeze on. Henderson has his chin tucked in tight, so the choke isn’t there, but he is not having a good time. Tsarukyan loses the position but is still on top aggressively attacking. Back to side control for the UFC lightweight contender.
Henderson has his legs in good position to stop Tsarukyan from passing, there’s another rubber guard attempt for Bendo. Tsarukyan in complete control so far.
Tsarukyan targets the head again, going for a D’Arce, then an anaconda. Henderson on the defensive. He reaches for a leg, but Tsarukyan rotating those hips and not giving Henderson anything.
Henderson back to his feet! He goes for an ankle pick and it looks like there was an awkward collision, maybe a finger to Henderson’s eye. The action resumes after a brief pause.
Tsarukyan easily stuffs a takedown and wrestles Henderson onto his back again. Arm-triangle attempt from Tsarukyan as he hops over. He’s in good position to finish, though Henderson looks calm. … Calm because he’s sleeping! Henderson is out!
Good recognition by the referee and a dominant performance by Tsarukyan.
Official result: Arman Tsarukyan def. Benson Henderson via technical decision (arm-triangle choke)
