Arman Tsarukyan Gets a Way to Reduce the Suspension as Dana White’s Next Title Defense for Islam Makhachev Hangs in the Balance

Arman Tsaruykan‘s masterclass at UFC 300 against Charles Oliveira was rewarded with the number one contender title for the ‘155’ lbs division. The Armenian is next in the line to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title but wait there’s a catch to it. Well, Tsarukyan’s antics might have cost him the title if we were to go by the recent information.

Tsaruykan punched a guy back at UFC 300 when he was walking out to the Octagon, the commission took cognizance of this serious security breach. Not only did they fine but also suspended the Armenian fighter for a considerable period. So will he not be able to fight Makhachev for a longer time? Well, reality might be a bit different according to an UFC insider.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev timeline leaked by UFC insider

According to the reports, Arman Tsarukyan is facing a fine of $25000 (+$471.12 in fees) fees by NSAC as well as a 9-month suspension from competing in the promotion. It must be noted that his suspension can be reduced to six months if he provides evidence of an anti-bullying campaign. A nine-month suspension would derail Tsarukyan’s hope at the lightweight title. Why, you ask? Well, that’s because Islam Makhachev wants to fight at the welterweight if there’s no challenger left for him in the division.

So will Arman TSarukyan have to wait considering that he is suspended? Well, that’s the catch. According to MMA journalist, Bret Okomoto, the Tsarukyan team is doing everything in its hand to ensure that ‘Ahalkalakets’ return to the Octagon by October to fight for the belt. “Per Arman Tsarukyan’s manager @dannyrube, Arman will do the PSA with Nevada to reduce the suspension to six months, meaning he’ll be eligible by Oct. 12,” wrote Okamoto.

He further added, “Arman appreciates the NSAC’s dealings in this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and NSAC to produce an anti-bullying PSA to reduce his suspension and competing for a UFC Lightweight Title before the end of the year.”

Well, if Tsarukyan produces the evidence video for the NSAC then his suspension will be reduced by 3 months and he could come back during October but if he fails to produce any video then he will have to face the full 9-month suspension. In that case, his return will be scheduled around January. Sooner or later, Tsaruyakn will meet Makhachev inside the Octagon again and he seems to be confident about his victory.

‘Ahalkalakets’ is certain about his victory against Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is probably the most decorated lightweight fighter in the history of the promotion. With his victory over Dustin Poirier back at UFC 302, he broke multiple records and one of them was the most consistent winning streak in lightweight history. Makhachev is at the peak of his career but Arman Tsarukyan is not even worried about the hubbub.

While in conversation with the media, Tsarukyan emphasized that he would emerge victorious if he fought against Makhachev again. “It would be a very easy fight for me. I could over-wrestle him the fight because he [Makhachev] got tired. When you’re tired, you know, you can’t do sh*t… Even if you have the best skills in the world you’re done,” said Tsarukyan.

The first time they clashed back in 2019, it was Arman Tsarukyan’s debut in the promotion. Despite that, he gave a hard time to the current champion, who, regardless, clinched the victory by way of a unanimous decision. Will Tsarkyan be able to breach the Dagestani wall or will it be another victory of the Islam Makhachev? State your thoughts in the comments below.