A potential crossover between elite MMA and Hollywood almost became reality late last year.

On December 30, UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan headlined a Hype FC grappling event in Armenia, where he ultimately fought Sharabutdin “Shara” Magomedov to a draw. But before that matchup was finalized, the promotion had explored a far more unexpected opponent: actor Tom Hardy.

Tsarukyan, fresh off his November win over Dan Hooker, has stayed active outside the UFC while waiting for clarity on his next title opportunity. His clash with Magomedov followed a brief but heated exchange of words between the two fighters and ended as a six-minute submission-only stalemate, with Tsarukyan controlling most of the positional exchanges but unable to secure a finish.

According to Hype FC, however, that bout wasn’t their first choice.

Tom Hardy Was Offered the Match — and Declined

The promotion revealed that Hardy had been approached about facing Tsarukyan on the December 30 card. A screenshot shared by Hype FC appears to show a message exchange between the actor and the organization’s CEO, Armand Martirosyan.

In the message, Hardy reportedly expressed gratitude for the offer and noted that the proposed purse exceeded what most professional BJJ competitors typically earn. Despite that, he made it clear the decision had nothing to do with money. Ongoing film commitments through March prevented him from preparing properly or competing on the proposed date.

Hype FC later confirmed Hardy’s unavailability, stating that continuous filming made the matchup impossible at the time.

Not a Gimmick Match

Hardy’s consideration of the bout wasn’t merely a publicity move. The actor is a legitimate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purple belt with years of consistent training and competition. He has trained with respected figures across the grappling world, including Renzo Gracie, Roger Gracie, John Danaher, and members of the Daisy Fresh team.

Renowned black belt Tom DeBlass, who has worked closely with Hardy, has publicly praised his discipline and intensity in training, describing him as relentless, technically engaged, and unafraid of looking bad on the mats.

Hardy has also backed up his reputation in competition. In 2022, he won gold at tournaments in Wolverhampton and Milton Keynes, with opponents describing him as one of the toughest competitors they had faced. He was promoted to purple belt in June 2023 after a strong competitive run at blue belt.

Despite suffering multiple knee injuries — including a meniscus tear that required surgery — Hardy continues to train regularly, often balancing two to three sessions per week alongside filming. He also volunteers time coaching children’s classes at his academy.

Tsarukyan vs. Magomedov Ends in a Draw

With Hardy unavailable, Tsarukyan instead faced Magomedov at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, in front of roughly 8,000 fans. The stylistic matchup saw Tsarukyan’s wrestling-heavy approach against Magomedov, who is better known for his striking than his grappling.

Tsarukyan dictated much of the bout with repeated takedowns and top control, but the submission-only format ended without a winner. The result reportedly cost Tsarukyan’s brother, Artur, a $100,000 wager placed on Arman securing the victory.

Looking Ahead

On paper, a matchup between Tsarukyan and Hardy would have heavily favored the UFC contender, but Hardy’s genuine experience and competitive mindset would have made it more than a novelty appearance.

For now, the bout remains a missed opportunity. Tsarukyan continues to wait for his next step toward UFC gold, while Hardy quietly keeps grinding on local mats in the UK.

As the actor himself has previously said about embracing difficult challenges, the willingness to step into uncomfortable territory matters more than the spotlight — even if that journey doesn’t always happen under the brightest lights.