Arman Tsarukyan’s viral moment with Colby Covington sparks friendship debate

Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington shared a surprise moment at UFC Paris 2025 that left fans wondering if the rivals had just become best friends.

What happened in the video?

A faceoff video from UFC Paris on 18 June 2025 shows Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington exchanging smiles and handshakes after a staredown. The clip, posted on social media, captured the two fighters laughing and clapping each other on the back before Covington walked away. Tsarukyan, the Armenian lightweight contender, looked visibly amused as the exchange unfolded in the cage.

Why did fans think they became friends?

The video’s tone stood in stark contrast to their pre-fight hype. Covington, known for his brash trash-talking, and Tsarukyan, who had called him out earlier in the week, both appeared relaxed. Fans flooded social platforms with memes and jokes about the sudden shift from rivalry to camaraderie. Tsarukyan’s reaction-grinning and waving-amplified the speculation that the two might have buried the hatchet, at least for a night.

Did the fighters confirm the friendship?

Neither Tsarukyan nor Covington has addressed the viral clip publicly. Their fight at UFC Paris ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it 30-27 in favor of Covington and one judge scoring it even at 28-28. The lack of post-fight comments leaves the nature of their interaction open to interpretation. Still, the video’s spread has turned a routine staredown into a talking point across MMA circles.

What’s next for Arman Tsarukyan?

Tsarukyan remains focused on his next fight after securing a split-decision win over Joel Alvarez in his previous outing. With a record of 21-4, he’s eyeing a shot at the UFC lightweight title. The viral moment with Covington adds a layer of intrigue to his upcoming matchups, though Tsarukyan’s camp has yet to comment on any potential shift in his rivalry with Covington.

The video’s reach shows how quickly MMA moments can reshape perceptions. Whether the two fighters share a real bond or just played along for the cameras, the clip has given fans a rare glimpse of levity in the often-heated world of UFC rivalries.