UFC lightweight top contender Arman Tsarukyan‘s MMA career was running smoothly until UFC 300, where he defeated Charles Oliveira via split decision. However, shortly after this victory, trouble arose when he engaged in a verbal altercation with an audience member. This confrontation escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in a 9-month ban. Now, since his suspension was announced, Tsarukyan has appeared in his first interview where he discussed how this setback disrupted his plans to fight Islam Makhachev. The 27-year-old also revealed that he refused to accept UFC CEO Dana White‘s terms for being a part of UFC 304.

In an interview with the YouTube channel Sport24ru, Arman Tsarukyan revealed that he was offered a title shot at UFC 304 in the welterweight division against Leon Edwards, but he declined it. Edwards is now scheduled to fight the #2 ranked contender, Belal Muhammad. The host asks Tsaukyan whether UFC had approached him as a potential applicant or if he is waiting until July 27, when Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad are set to fight. The fighter was also asked if he could move up in line for a title shot if Edwards emerged victorious.

“No, you cannot substitute since it is already agreed upon orally. They talked about me fighting for the title. They told me I am fighting for the title next month. To be honest, I don’t care. I can rise in weight. Just give me a temporary title or let me vacate the title behind me,” Arman Tsarukyan said. He further stated that right now, the title is more important to him than fighting, whether it’s against Islam Makhachev or someone else.

It’s clear from Tsarukyan’s statement that he has not given up on fighting Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title, as they both have a history. In April 2019, Islam Makhachev defeated Arman Tsarukyan in the latter’s debut fight in the promotion. Since then, Tsarukyan has been looking to settle the score. Recently, he warned the lightweight contenders to keep their eyes off Islam Makhachev during his absence.

Arman Tsarukyan’s warning to UFC’s lightweight division

Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title for the third time against former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier with a fifth-round submission choke at UFC 302, continuing his dominance in the lightweight division. After the fight, Makhachev expressed his desire to move to welterweight. In the meantime, a rumor arose that before moving to the welterweight division, Makhachev would fight Arman Tsarukyan on October 28 in Abu Dhabi.

However, this plan fell through because of Tsarukyan’s involvement in a brawl, which resulted in a fine and a 9-month suspension. The suspension could be reduced to 6 months if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign. Despite this setback, many fighters, including Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler, have offered to fight Makhachev in October.

In response to the situation, Arman Tsarukyan posted a message for everyone on his X account, “I’m the one fighting for the title next. The rest of you can take a seat #AndNew,” which further indicates his determination to fight against Islam Makhachev and dethrone him from his lightweight title.

Only time will tell if Arman Tsarukyan can return before Islam Makhachev changes his mind and shifts to another weight division. Do you think the 27-year-old will be able to win a title in his UFC career? Let us know in the comments below.