Who is Ankit Baiyanpuria? Indian influencer facing UFC’s Arman Tsarukyan
The desi fitness sensation steps into combat sports against a UFC lightweight contender
Ankit Baiyanpuria, one of India’s biggest fitness influencers, is set for the biggest test of his life. He will face UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan in a submission-only grappling match, headlining Hype Fighting’s latest card on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Tashir Arena in Yerevan, Armenia.
The crossover matchup has generated significant buzz online, largely due to the contrast between the two men. Tsarukyan is the UFC’s number one ranked lightweight contender, while Baiyanpuria has built his following through desi workout content rather than competitive combat sports.
The bout is submission-only, meaning victory can only come via a joint lock or a choke. The card also features a bare-knuckle title clash between Nikarkho and Khachatryan, and includes four fighters from India in total.
Who is Ankit Baiyanpuria?
Ankit Baiyanpuria, whose real name is Ankit Singh, was born on August 31, 1998, in Bayanpur village, Sonipat district, Haryana. He grew up in a farming family and joined a local akhada in his early teens, training in traditional wrestling under coach Krishan Pahalwan.
He first built an online audience making Haryanvi comedy and prank videos under the channel name Haryanvi Khagad. During the Covid-19 lockdown, he pivoted to fitness content, rebranding his channel around desi workout methods such as sapate (traditional wrestling burpees), rope climbing, and mud training, and began posting under the name Ankit Baiyanpuria.
His profile grew significantly after he completed the viral 75 Hard Challenge in 2023, a strict 75-day mental and physical discipline program. The achievement drew widespread attention on social media and led to a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has since built a following of several million across Instagram and YouTube through his fitness and lifestyle content.
Baiyanpuria has no professional MMA or grappling record. However, he has trained in Thailand and in Dagestan, Russia, alongside high-level coaches and fighters in preparation for this crossover fight, which marks his first appearance in organized combat sports.
Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan vs Ankit Baiyanpuria – Hype Armenia Preview, start time & where to watch
The Tsarukyan vs Baiyanpuria matchup
The submission-only grappling contest between Tsarukyan and Baiyanpuria headlines Hype Fighting’s August 1 card at Tashir Arena in Yerevan. The bout was confirmed through an official promotional poster released by Hype Fighting.
Baiyanpuria has over 7.5 million followers on Instagram, and the fight has divided fans, with some questioning the sporting value of the crossover while others are drawn to the novelty of a UFC contender testing himself against a viral fitness personality outside the Octagon.
When is the Tsarukyan vs Baiyanpuria fight?
The submission-only grappling match takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Tashir Arena in Yerevan, Armenia.
Does Ankit Baiyanpuria have any professional fighting experience?
No, Baiyanpuria has no documented professional MMA or competitive grappling record. He is primarily known as a fitness influencer who trained in traditional Indian wrestling as a teenager.
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