TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan got into a post-fight brawl with Georgio Poullas at RAF 6 in Arizona after winning by decision
- Tsarukyan has a history of incidents including punching a fan at UFC 300, pulling out of a title fight, and headbutting Dan Hooker
- The Armenian fighter is on a five-fight win streak and is considered one of the best lightweights in the division
- Analyst Brendan Schaub says UFC can’t easily discipline Tsarukyan because he’s too skilled and valuable
- UFC’s Hunter Campbell told Tsarukyan to ‘keep doing what you’re doing’ weeks before the latest incident
Sources: Yahoo Sports | The Conway Bulletin
Arman Tsarukyan is making headlines again for his behavior outside the cage. The UFC lightweight contender got into a post-fight scuffle with Georgio Poullas at Real American Freestyle 6 in Arizona, adding to a growing list of disciplinary issues.
Tsarukyan had just defeated Poullas by a 5-3 decision in a freestyle wrestling match. Right after the bout ended, Tsarukyan threw punches and sparked an altercation.
This latest incident comes after multiple controversies over the past year. UFC President Dana White has already stated that problems outside of fighting cost Tsarukyan his standing in the division.
A Pattern of Controversial Behavior
At UFC 300 in April 2024, Tsarukyan punched a fan during his walkout for a fight against Charles Oliveira. The UFC fined him $24,000 and suspended him for nine months.
He withdrew from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 with just one day’s notice. At UFC Qatar in November, he headbutted Dan Hooker during the ceremonial weigh-ins, nearly injuring him.
This isn’t even Tsarukyan’s first problem at grappling events. In December, he drew criticism for throwing a knee at Mehdi Baydulaev during their match.
Despite these issues, Tsarukyan has been dominant inside the octagon. He holds a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses with a current five-fight winning streak.
His recent victories include wins over Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, and Beneil Dariush. Many experts consider him one of the most dangerous fighters in the 155-pound division.
The Challenge of Disciplining a Top Contender
Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub addressed the UFC’s predicament on his YouTube channel. He questions how the promotion can punish someone with Tsarukyan’s skill level.
“He gets the winner of Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira; he beats both of them,” Schaub said. “The only guy who has a shot to beat him is Ilia Topuria. Outside of that, he mops the floor with everybody.”
Schaub continued: “The UFC is in a bit of a pickle here. He’s built his value. He’s built his exposure. That’s exactly what the UFC wants from guys. How do you discipline this guy? He’s too good.”
The UFC had seemed ready to give Tsarukyan another chance before this latest incident. After being passed over for an interim lightweight title fight earlier this year, Tsarukyan said his communication with the promotion had improved.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan revealed recent conversations with UFC executive Hunter Campbell. “I already talked to Hunter a couple of weeks ago, we’ve got a couple of options,” he said.
Those options included potential title fights at multiple weight classes. Tsarukyan said the most appealing option was a fight for the 155-pound title in September or October, after Justin Gaethje’s scheduled title bout.
“It was a good meeting. We always have good meetings. I’m always good with Hunter,” Tsarukyan explained. “They said keep doing what you’re doing.”
Tsarukyan had also made a public appeal for forgiveness in January. Speaking with Daniel Cormier, he said: “Dana and Hunter, forgive me. Give me a title fight. I’ll be a good boy. I’m a good boy. I’m not going to hit anybody anymore.”
Campbell’s instruction to “keep doing what you’re doing” likely didn’t include getting into another brawl. It remains unclear if the RAF 6 incident will change the UFC’s plans for Tsarukyan’s future title opportunity.
