Parlay: Jakub Batfalsky VS Gjoni Palokaj 2025-09-13

Same-Game Parlay Breakdown: Arman Tzarukyan vs. Benson Henderson
The ACB JJ 18 Grappling Showdown: Who’s the Real King of the Octagon?

Parsing the Odds: A Tale of Two Time Capsules
Let’s start with the basics. Arman Tzarukyan (22-3) is the MMA equivalent of a dormant volcano. Last seen in April 2024, he stunned Charles Oliveira—a name that still gives fans nightmares—with a split decision. But since then? Radio silence. A withdrawal from a title bout against Islam Makhachev in January 2024 adds a whiff of mystery. Is he nursing a secret injury, or just waiting for the right moment to re-enter the ring?

Benson Henderson (30-12), meanwhile, is a relic from the Jurassic Park of MMA. His last fight in March 2023 ended in a first-round submission loss to Usman Nurmagomedov, a man whose grappling game is so dominant, he once made a UFC titleholder look like a toddler playing with Lincoln Logs. Henderson’s record is a rollercoaster: 30 wins, but 12 losses, including that brutal exit.

Key Stats to Note:
- Tzarukyan’s Win Rate: 88% (22-3). That’s better than your chances of finding a good parking spot at a Moscow concert.
- Henderson’s Recent Form: A 23-month layoff and a 1-1 record in his last two fights (including that Nurmagomedov loss). He’s like a smartphone left in the sun—functional, but not reliable.
- Grappling Match Context: Both fighters are transitioning to grappling, a discipline where Henderson’s submission defense (or lack thereof) could be a liability. Tzarukyan’s recent split-decision win suggests he’s still sharp, but can he adapt to a no-striking format?

Digesting the News: Belarusian Brawlers and Russian Rivalries
While the main event is a clash of veterans, the undercard features Vladislav Kovalov, the “Belaz” (Belarusian for “giant truck”) who recently steamrolled Alexander Shlemko twice. Kovalov’s victory in Chelyabinsk—witnessed by governors and presidential reps—shows Russia’s MMA scene is still a hotbed of talent. But how does this relate to Tzarukyan vs. Henderson? Simple: It proves that Russian/Baltic fighters are hungry for global recognition. Tzarukyan, a Russian standout, might feel extra pressure to deliver a show-stopper.

Humorous Spin: The Absurdity of MMA Scheduling
Let’s be real: If these two fighters were cars, Tzarukyan would be a Tesla on “sport mode” (fast, flashy, occasionally glitchy), while Henderson is a 1995 Ford Taurus with a flat tire and a GPS that only works in reverse. Henderson’s last fight was so one-sided, Nurmagomedov probably left thinking, “Is that it? I could’ve done that in my sleep.” Tzarukyan’s withdrawal from the Makhachev bout? Classic MMA drama—like pulling out of a chess match because your opponent’s beard is too intimidating.

Prediction: Grappling with Destiny
Putting it all together: Tzarukyan’s superior recent form and higher win rate give him the edge. Henderson’s age (38) and that Nurmagomedov loss make him a risky bet. In a grappling match, Tzarukyan’s ability to control position and finish—assuming he’s not still nursing that Makhachev withdrawal—could decide the outcome.

Same-Game Parlay Pick:
- Method of Victory: Submission (Tzarukyan’s grappling prowess).
- Round: First or Second (Henderson’s age and Tzarukyan’s urgency for a quick finish).

Final Verdict:
Bet on Tzarukyan to remind Henderson why he’s 22-3 and Henderson why he’s 30-12. Unless Henderson pulls a rabbit out of his hat (like a 19th-century magician with a questionable beard), this one’s a slam dunk for the Russian.

“Tzarukyan isn’t just fighting for a win—he’s fighting for the right to say, ‘I still belong here.’ Henderson? He’s fighting for relevance. In MMA, that’s the difference between a champion and a cautionary tale.”

Place your bets wisely, and may the grappling gods have mercy on your bankroll.

Created: Sept. 13, 2025, 4:01 p.m. GMT