TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan dropped out of UFC’s top 15 pound-for-pound rankings, replaced by Charles Oliveira
- Dana White publicly criticized Tsarukyan’s recent behavior at UFC 326 press conference
- Tsarukyan withdrew from title fight one day before UFC 311 and headbutted Dan Hooker at weigh-ins
- He was passed over for UFC 324 title shot despite having the best resume in lightweight division
- Tsarukyan is now fighting outside the UFC, with upcoming bouts at Hype FC and RAF 7
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | dailyfreepress.com
Arman Tsarukyan has fallen out of the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings after a series of incidents that damaged his standing with the organization. The Armenian lightweight was removed from the top 15 list this week, replaced by Charles Oliveira who moved up to number 12.
The rankings change came shortly after UFC President Dana White criticized Tsarukyan at the UFC 326 post-fight press conference. White said he “is not thrilled” with Tsarukyan’s recent behavior.
Tsarukyan last fought in the UFC in November when he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round of their main event at UFC Qatar. Despite that victory, his relationship with UFC management has deteriorated over several months.
The fighter’s troubles began in March 2025 when he withdrew from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day before the event due to injury. Many considered Tsarukyan the top threat to Makhachev at the time, and the late withdrawal cost the UFC a highly anticipated main event.
Before that, Tsarukyan received a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for punching a fan while walking out to his fight at UFC 300. The incident raised serious questions about his ability to handle high-profile events.
🚨 UPDATE: Charles Oliveira re-enters official UFC pound-for-pound rankings at No. 12
❌ Arman Tsarukyan is removed from the rankings (he was No.15 previously)
Max Holloway moves down five spots to No.15 pic.twitter.com/sgzD3TZGfd
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 10, 2026
Weigh-In Headbutt Creates More Problems
At the ceremonial weigh-ins before his fight with Hooker, Tsarukyan delivered a headbutt that fractured Hooker’s nose. Hooker continued with the fight, but the incident further damaged Tsarukyan’s reputation with UFC leadership.
The bout was meant to prove Tsarukyan could compete without controversy. While he dominated Hooker in the octagon, the weigh-in stunt overshadowed his performance.
Despite having arguably the best resume in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan was passed over for a title shot at UFC 324. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett received the opportunity instead, even though their recent records were less impressive than Tsarukyan’s.
Tsarukyan’s only career losses came against Makhachev in his UFC debut and a close decision to Mateusz Gamrot. He has defeated top fighters including Oliveira, Hooker, and Beneil Dariush.
Fighting Outside the UFC
While waiting for another UFC title opportunity, Tsarukyan has taken fights with other organizations. He competed outside the UFC to stay active during his extended wait for championship contention.
This Wednesday, Tsarukyan will headline a Hype FC grappling event in Brazil against former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. After that, he is scheduled to face Georgio Poullas at RAF 7.
The pound-for-pound rankings saw other changes as well. Max Holloway dropped from tenth to 15th place after losing the BMF title to Oliveira by unanimous decision at UFC 326. Tom Aspinall, Joshua Van, and Dricus Du Plessis all moved up in the rankings.
Dan Hooker moved up one spot in the lightweight division’s top 10 despite his loss to Tsarukyan. The division’s top five remained unchanged.
Tsarukyan’s removal from the rankings represents another setback for the fighter who was once considered the clear number one contender at lightweight. His next steps with the UFC remain uncertain as he continues competing in events outside the organization.
