Arman Tsarukyan, once a top contender in the UFC lightweight division, has found himself sidelined from a title shot at UFC 324 despite his recent string of victories. The Armenian fighter’s previous missteps, including withdrawing from a championship bout and unsanctioned actions during weigh-ins, have contributed to the UFC president Dana White’s reluctance to reinstate him in the title picture. Chael Sonnen has publicly urged the UFC to move beyond these past issues and offer Tsarukyan a fair opportunity moving forward.
Why Tsarukyan Missed the Title Fight at UFC 324
Despite being the No. 1 contender, making weight as the official backup fighter at UFC 317, and scoring a submission win over Dan Hooker to extend his win streak to five, Tsarukyan was overlooked in favor of Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt. This decision has drawn criticism from both fans and commentators, as Tsarukyan’s recent performances seemed to merit a chance to fight for the title.
However, Tsarukyan’s past actions, including pulling out of a title fight against Islam Makhachev and an altercation where he headbutted Dan Hooker during ceremonial weigh-ins in Qatar, have damaged his standing within the promotion. Additionally, a controversial moment at UFC 300 where Tsarukyan punched a fan also contributed to his continued exclusion from high-profile bouts.
Chael Sonnen’s Plea for Forgiveness and Recognition
Former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen expressed disappointment over Tsarukyan’s absence from marquee fights, pointing out the effort the Armenian made to serve as a backup fighter. Sonnen highlighted that Tsarukyan completed a full training camp, traveled to Las Vegas, passed the commission’s medicals, and made weight, all indicating his readiness to compete on short notice.
Speaking on The Schmo podcast, Sonnen asked,
“Can we please forgive him?”
He continued,
“Whatever he did to get himself in this weird purgatory, can we also remember that he agreed to be a backup fighter? That he did a training camp, that he flew out to Las Vegas, he went through the commission, he made weight. He was ready to go in a moment’s notice. You get something for that,”
before concluding,
“I want him to get something. I want him recognized. I forgive Arman Tsarukyan, and I want other people to forgive him.”
Sonnen’s perspective carries weight, as he himself once faced Dana White’s ire after a notorious brawl with Wanderlei Silva on The Ultimate Fighter in 2014. White had admonished both fighters for their lack of professionalism, imploring them to
“show the sport you are in some respect, show yourself some respect, and let’s keep this thing cool for the rest of the season, please.”
UFC’s Hesitance Tied to Concerns Over Tsarukyan’s Conduct
Arman Tsarukyan has recently addressed the situation directly, shedding light on how his past incidents continue to affect the UFC’s willingness to give him prime spots on fight cards. On a Kick stream with popular personality Adin Ross, Tsarukyan revealed that UFC officials told him he was considered “too dangerous” to be featured in key events, referencing his history of behavioral issues including a headbutt, withdrawing from fights, and the incident involving a fan.
He explained,
“I was supposed to fight for the title and then they said, ‘You are dangerous to push you on the first card on Paramount.’ Because of the headbutt, pullout, (punching) fan. That’s why they said, ‘You’ve gotta wait.’ And I said okay. What can I do?”
Tsarukyan remains confident in his path forward, affirming,
“I’ll just wait and I know my belt is not gonna be like — it’s gonna be mine. I work every day because of that,”
signaling his continued dedication despite ongoing challenges.
The Broader Implications for UFC’s Talent Management
The ongoing tension between Arman Tsarukyan and the UFC leadership underscores the challenges promotions face balancing fighter discipline and career opportunities. Tsarukyan’s case illustrates how conduct outside the cage can influence title contention and promotional priorities, especially in a highly competitive division. If the UFC follows Chael Sonnen’s advice to forgive and recognize Tsarukyan’s efforts, it could signal a shift toward rehabilitation and second chances for fighters with troubled histories.
Such a move might reinvigorate a skilled contender’s career and add depth to the lightweight division. Meanwhile, without resolution, Tsarukyan risks remaining in limbo, as other contenders like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje take center stage in high-stakes fights. The UFC’s decision in the coming months will be critical in shaping Tsarukyan’s future and the organization’s approach to fighter management going forward.
