The latest to heat up in the UFC lightweight division is a top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, attracting the media’s attention with his actions; he refused to bow to UFC President, Dana White’s demands for his next fight. After an aggressive meeting, the Armenian Tsarukyan, who won over Charles Oliveira in UFC 300, is attacked. In the other incident, the manager physically attacked a supervisor, as the fighter who received a nine-month suspension was a rather aggressive person. In the interviews, Tsarukyan never hid his feelings of his suspension and his contract saying that it was about the blow they made him.
Situation of Tsarukyan and Problems after UFC 300
The crucial moment in the career of Tsarukyan was defeating Oliveira; it proved that he is a worthy and persistent contender. And while regularly using physical force was part of his job description when he assaulted an official after a verbal confrontation for the filming of this scene, his victory dance has a rather grim undertone. An immediate consequence was the nine-month suspension which ruined Tsarukyan’s schedule and delayed his bid for the UFC lightweight championship.
In the interview, Tsarukyan disclosed that before parting way he was offered a chance to duke it out for the welterweight title against Leon Edwards at UFC 304. To the audience of the surprise, Tsarukyan refused such chance. Edwards currently scheduled to defend his title against the current #2 ranked contender, Belal Muhammad on the 27th of July. When asked whether the transfer to the weight division or a title shot is on the horizon, Tsarukyan defined his goals.
“No, you can’t replace it because it’s already been verbally approved. They were talking about my title fight. I was told I was fighting for the title next month. To be honest, I don’t care. I can be great. Just give me a temporary title or I’ll leave the title behind me,” Tsarukyan said. His focus remains firmly on winning a lightweight title rather than moving up in weight.
Tsarukyan Makhachev’s Quest for Revenge Against Islam
In April 2019, Tsarukyan’s fight with Islam Makhachev ended in a loss for Tsarukyan. Since then, he is eager to avenge this defeat and win the UFC light heavyweight title. The rivalry between the two fighters intensified Tsarukyan’s quest for a reunion.
After Makhachev’s successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, the lightweight champion hinted that he might move up to welterweight. In Abu Dhabi on October 28, there were rumors of a possible fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. However, Tsarukyan’s release set these plans in motion, leading to speculation about his future.
Tsarukyan’s Warning to the Light Division
Despite the suspension, Tsarukyan remains confident and vocal about his future with the department. He recently made a bold statement on social media saying, “I’m the next one to fight for the title. The rest of you can sit in an #AndNew seat.” This message underscores his commitment to reinvention and challenge lightweight titles.
Several fighters, including Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, have expressed interest in facing Makhachev if the fight with Tsarukyan goes well. The narrow division is still active, with more potential rallies looming.
Looking Ahead: Tsarukyan’s Return and Makhachev’s Future
Arman Tsarukyan is still thinking about getting his title opportunity back while he serves out his suspension and gets over barriers in his career. How soon he can go back into the Octagon and whether Makhachev chooses to stay in the lightweight class will determine the course of his rivalry with Makhachev.
Tsarukyan’s comeback and prospective advancement in the lightweight and welterweight classes are currently much anticipated by supporters and observers. Tsarukyan’s future in the lightweight title picture and his career will be greatly impacted by his next moves, as the UFC environment continues to change.
