Arman Tsarukyan
Ahalkalakets
Armenia
Backup for White House card
Tsarukyan has been confirmed by UFC President Dana White to be the backup for the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at the UFC Freedom 250 card on June 14 at the White House, per Adam Martin of Heavy.com.
ANALYSIS
Some fighters don't like to go this route given it often leads to an extra, unnecessary weight cut, but given Tsarukyan's laundry list of outside-the-cage antics that have often put him in hot water with White and UFC brass, this could potentially be the best (or only) path to Tsarukyan for a title shot at the moment. As the No. 2-ranked contender at lightweight, Tsarukyan will almost certainly see the winner of this headline matchup in his next fight, especially given he's riding a five-fight winning streak that features three finishes and two POTN bonuses. But stepping in here gives him a slight chance at getting that belt earlier while ensuring the UFC will keep the main event of its flagship card in tact.
Some fighters don't like to go this route given it often leads to an extra, unnecessary weight cut, but given Tsarukyan's laundry list of outside-the-cage antics that have often put him in hot water with White and UFC brass, this could potentially be the best (or only) path to Tsarukyan for a title shot at the moment. As the No. 2-ranked contender at lightweight, Tsarukyan will almost certainly see the winner of this headline matchup in his next fight, especially given he's riding a five-fight winning streak that features three finishes and two POTN bonuses. But stepping in here gives him a slight chance at getting that belt earlier while ensuring the UFC will keep the main event of its flagship card in tact.
Fight Log
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Next title challenger?
Tsarukyan defeated Dan Hooker via submission (arm-triangle choke) at 3:34 of Round 2 at UFC Qatar on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Tsarukyan entered this fight as a betting favorite of as much as (-900), and he certainly looked the part with a clinical effort. He logged a takedown and 3:16 worth of control time in the opening frame while also winning the significant striking battle 19-to-5. Round 2 saw him eat a notable right hook, but he shook it off and went for a takedown that Hooker had little hope of defending. Tsarukyan softened his opponent up with a few elbows before passing into three-quarter mount and eventually finding the fight-ending choke. He would go on to win a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here, but more importantly is what's next. Tsarukyan likely has the best case for the next shot at lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, but it remains to be seen if the UFC will book that fight, or go with the more marketable Paddy Pimblett in early-2026.
Tsarukyan entered this fight as a betting favorite of as much as (-900), and he certainly looked the part with a clinical effort. He logged a takedown and 3:16 worth of control time in the opening frame while also winning the significant striking battle 19-to-5. Round 2 saw him eat a notable right hook, but he shook it off and went for a takedown that Hooker had little hope of defending. Tsarukyan softened his opponent up with a few elbows before passing into three-quarter mount and eventually finding the fight-ending choke. He would go on to win a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus here, but more importantly is what's next. Tsarukyan likely has the best case for the next shot at lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, but it remains to be seen if the UFC will book that fight, or go with the more marketable Paddy Pimblett in early-2026.
Headlining UFC Qatar
Tsarukyan will take on Dan Hooker in a lightweight bout at UFC Qatar on Nov. 22, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Tsarukyan has won his last four UFC bouts and has earned a spot in the main event at UFC Qatar in late November. In his most recent UFC bout, he took care of business against Charles Oliveira via split decision back in April of 2024. He'll look to push his already sparkling UFC record 10-2 with a win.
Tsarukyan has won his last four UFC bouts and has earned a spot in the main event at UFC Qatar in late November. In his most recent UFC bout, he took care of business against Charles Oliveira via split decision back in April of 2024. He'll look to push his already sparkling UFC record 10-2 with a win.
Drops out of title fight
Tsarukyan (back) has dropped out of Saturday's bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, UFC President Dana White reports.
ANALYSIS
Tsarukyan has informed Dana White that he will not be able to take on Islam Makhachev for a chance at the UFC Lightweight Title after suffering a back injury. The 28-year-old Armenian fighter will be Renato Moicano in a last-minute switch up on the main card at UFC 311.
Tsarukyan has informed Dana White that he will not be able to take on Islam Makhachev for a chance at the UFC Lightweight Title after suffering a back injury. The 28-year-old Armenian fighter will be Renato Moicano in a last-minute switch up on the main card at UFC 311.
Gets shot at title
Tsarukyan will fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev in the former's UFC debut back in April of 2019. More than five years later, he'll now get his shot at revenge and have a chance to claim the lightweight title in the process. Tsarukyan has been held out of action since April due to a suspension that came as a result of an altercation with a fan, but his opponent will also be fighting for the first time since suffering a hand injury in July.
Tsarukyan lost to Makhachev in the former's UFC debut back in April of 2019. More than five years later, he'll now get his shot at revenge and have a chance to claim the lightweight title in the process. Tsarukyan has been held out of action since April due to a suspension that came as a result of an altercation with a fan, but his opponent will also be fighting for the first time since suffering a hand injury in July.
Fined and suspended
Tsarukyan has been fined $25,000 and suspended nine months retroactive to UFC 300, per Nolan King of MMA Junkie.
ANALYSIS
Back at UFC 300, while walking to the octagon for his scheduled fight and eventual win against Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan got into an altercation with a fan, resulting in his recent fine and suspension. He can get the latter reduced to six months if willing to produce a video for an anti-bullying campaign. The suspension puts into question how long it will take for Tsarukyan to get his shot at UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, who recently defended his championship against Dustin Poirier.
Back at UFC 300, while walking to the octagon for his scheduled fight and eventual win against Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan got into an altercation with a fan, resulting in his recent fine and suspension. He can get the latter reduced to six months if willing to produce a video for an anti-bullying campaign. The suspension puts into question how long it will take for Tsarukyan to get his shot at UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, who recently defended his championship against Dustin Poirier.