Tsarukyan was supposed to challenge former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev early this year, but was forced out of the fight at the eleventh hour with an injury. It quickly became clear that the incident put him on the UFC’s naughty list, as it was revealed that he would have to win one more fight before challenging for the title.
Tsarukyan had his first fight since earlier this month, when he dominated Dan Hooker to a second-round victory in what was billed as a No. 1 contender fight.
However, it was later revealed that new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria would be taking some time away from the sport, and that lightweight contenders Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje would fight for the interim belt at UFC 324 in the champion’s absence.
It was a shocking turn of events, as Tsarukyan clearly earned a title shot ahead of both men.
Arman Tsarukyan reacts to the UFC title
Tsarukyan has been pretty quiet in the days following the UFC 324 news. However, the top lightweight contender broke his silence in a recent interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.
Knowing he is ineligible for a title shot, he exclaimed that the only fight that makes sense is one where the UFC’s symbolic “BMF” belt is on the line. That would mean a fight with reigning BMF champion Max Holloway.
“It’s a business,” Tsarukyan said. “At the end of the day, I have the same goal. Everyone knows I will beat everyone and that’s just how it is.” [a matter of] time. I hope they at least give me the BMF title. What are they going to give me? Who should we fight in our division if it’s not Holloway?’
Whatever the future holds for Tsarukyan, he is confident he will eventually face Topuria in the UFC Octagon.
“That battle is definitely going to happen,” he said. “Everyone says, ‘Arman, Arman, Arman.’ Everyone knows they are bulls. The next champion is here.”
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