Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC lightweight division’s top contender, is experiencing a downturn in his career as he remains without a recent fight under the UFC banner. The Armenian fighter last competed in November during UFC Qatar, where he secured a win against Dan Hooker by submission in the second round. Since then, Tsarukyan has been competing outside the UFC as he awaits a potential title shot, but tensions with UFC President Dana White have stalled his progress.
Concerns Over Tsarukyan’s Conduct Affecting Title Prospects
Tsarukyan’s recent actions have drawn criticism from Dana White, who expressed frustration at the UFC 326 post-fight press conference. Incidents including an altercation with a fan at UFC 300, a headbutt on Dan Hooker, and a brawl at a recent RAF event have raised questions about whether Tsarukyan can be trusted with a championship opportunity. These behavioral issues have put him at odds with the UFC leadership and likely influenced his standing within the organization.
Charles Oliveira’s Return Pushes Tsarukyan Out of Rankings
At UFC 326, Charles Oliveira reclaimed prominence by defeating Max Holloway in the main event to capture the BMF title, marking his second straight victory. Oliveira’s return to the pound-for-pound rankings at number 12 caused Arman Tsarukyan to be removed from the top 15, despite Tsarukyan having defeated Oliveira at UFC 300. Max Holloway was also affected, dropping from 10th to 15th place in the same rankings. Within the lightweight division, the top five spots remained steady, though Dan Hooker advanced one position. Additional changes saw Tom Aspinall, Joshua Van, and Dricus Du Plessis each climb one spot in the pound-for-pound list.
Upcoming Fights Outside the UFC for Tsarukyan
Regardless of his uneasy relationship with UFC officials, Tsarukyan continues to pursue competitive opportunities beyond the Octagon. This Thursday, he will headline Hype FC’s grappling event in Brazil, where he is set to face former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. Shortly afterward, Tsarukyan will engage in a rematch against Georgio Poullas at RAF 7, aiming to resolve ongoing disputes that have drawn criticism from the UFC.
Implications for Tsarukyan’s UFC Future
Arman Tsarukyan’s exclusion from the UFC rankings and strained ties with Dana White highlight the challenges facing fighters whose conduct complicates their career trajectories. His ongoing activity outside the UFC may maintain his sharpness, but it remains uncertain how or when he could return to title contention. The current circumstances suggest that regaining favor with the UFC brass is crucial for Tsarukyan to secure meaningful opportunities in the organization’s lightweight division.
