In a move that has disappointed fight fans, Hollywood actor and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Tom Hardy has officially turned down an offer for a grappling contest against UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. The news broke over the weekend after a private message from Hardy explaining his decision began circulating on social media.
Why Tom Hardy Said No to the Fight
The proposed grappling match was scheduled for December 30, 2025. However, Tom Hardy's response, shared by the combat sports page Hype Fighting, was clear and direct. Hardy expressed gratitude for what he termed a "kind" offer and even noted his surprise at the high financial terms, which he said exceeded typical earnings for professional BJJ athletes. Despite the attractive offer, money was not the deciding factor.
The core issue was his unbreakable work commitments. Hardy explained that he is currently tied up with filming projects that will keep him occupied until March 2026. This packed schedule would prevent him from dedicating the necessary time to train properly for the contest or even being available on the event date. The event was planned to be held outside the United States, though the exact location remains undisclosed.
Tom Hardy's Legitimate Jiu-Jitsu Credentials
This isn't a case of a celebrity avoiding a real challenge. Tom Hardy possesses genuine Brazilian jiu-jitsu experience. His serious training began over a decade ago while preparing for his role as an MMA fighter in the 2011 film Warrior. His passion for the martial art continued long after filming wrapped.
Hardy has consistently trained and has even tested his skills in local tournaments, where he has successfully won medals. He has often stated in interviews that jiu-jitsu is now an integral and regular part of his lifestyle, balancing his acting career with his combat sports passion.
Contrasting Reasons: Schedule vs. Finances
Interestingly, while Tom Hardy cited scheduling conflicts, Arman Tsarukyan has previously pointed to financial disagreements as the reason another high-profile grappling match fell through. Earlier this year, Tsarukyan revealed that a potential contest with UFC champion Islam Makhachev did not materialize because the financial numbers did not work for both parties.
Speaking during UFC media events in Las Vegas, Tsarukyan indicated he remains open to grappling matches, but only under terms that make commercial sense for everyone involved. For now, the Armenian-born fighter remains focused on his ascending career within the UFC's competitive lightweight division.
With Hardy committed to his film sets and Tsarukyan dedicated to the octagon, fans of both cinema and mixed martial arts will have to wait to see if a similar challenge is accepted by either man in the future.
