Full Breakdown
Arman Tsarukyan Pushes for Title Shot Amid UFC Developments
4/1/2026, 12:19:52 PM
Arman Tsarukyan's Title Aspirations
Arman Tsarukyan, a prominent contender in the UFC lightweight division, is actively seeking a title shot against Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan believes that both fighters are in their prime, making a potential matchup highly anticipated within the MMA community. In a recent interview, he emphasized, “We are both on the—young, and on our prime. Everybody’s gonna talk about that fight. 50% gonna think I’m gonna win, 50% gonna think Ilia’s gonna win. If it’s not you next, then we have a massive problem… My fans gonna have a problem with UFC.”
Current Situation and Backup Role
As the UFC prepares for the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14, Tsarukyan finds himself in a precarious position. He was previously scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 but withdrew due to injury. Despite a five-fight winning streak and currently ranking as the number two contender, Tsarukyan has not received clarity regarding his next fight. He has been suggested as a potential backup for the Topuria vs. Gaethje bout but has set conditions for his participation. Tsarukyan stated, “I don’t want to [weigh in], I’m going to keep the weight low, in case they call me four, five days before the event.”
Tsarukyan's Confidence and Future Plans
Tsarukyan recently expressed his determination to secure a title fight this summer, regardless of the outcome of the Topuria vs. Gaethje match. He stated, “This summer I’ll fight for sure for the belt, any belt, whether it’s the BMF or a real belt.” His aspirations include a potential rematch with Charles Oliveira for the BMF title, as well as a move to featherweight to challenge Alexander Volkanovski. However, the lightweight division remains crowded, complicating his path to a title opportunity.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite his ambitions, Tsarukyan's relationship with the UFC has been strained due to past incidents, including a late withdrawal from a title fight. Critics question whether he can be trusted with a title shot given his previous issues, including weight management. The UFC's decision-making regarding his future remains uncertain, as Tsarukyan navigates the complexities of the lightweight title picture.
What's Next for Tsarukyan
As Tsarukyan prepares for potential backup duties at the UFC White House event, he remains focused on securing a title fight. The outcome of the Topuria vs. Gaethje match will likely influence his next steps, but Tsarukyan is determined to remain active in the sport, stating, “I’m gonna be ready if something happens and I’m gonna stay active.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are both on the—young, and on our prime. Everybody’s gonna talk about that fight. 50% gonna think I’m gonna win, 50% gonna think Ilia’s gonna win. If it’s not you next, then we have a massive problem… My fans gonna have a problem with UFC.” — Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender
- “This summer I’ll fight for sure for the belt, any belt, whether it’s the BMF or a real belt,” — Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender
- “I don’t want to [weigh in], I’m going to keep the weight low, in case they call me four, five days before the event.” — Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Contender
Arman Tsarukyan's pursuit of a title shot highlights the competitive nature of the UFC lightweight division, as he navigates challenges and opportunities in his quest for championship glory.
