TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan refuses to wait for Ilia Topuria to defend the lightweight title due to the champion’s personal legal issues
- Tsarukyan was excluded from the UFC 324 interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett
- The fighter is now considering a BMF title fight against Charles Oliveira if he defeats Max Holloway at UFC 326
- Tsarukyan is also exploring a potential move to featherweight for a title shot
- Topuria is currently inactive due to a divorce and custody battle, typically fighting only once per year
Sources: MiddleEasy | MMA News | CBS Sports
Arman Tsarukyan says he will not wait any longer for a lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria. The top contender is now exploring other championship opportunities in the UFC.
Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to fight then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. He pulled out on weigh-in day due to a back injury.
The fighter returned to the Octagon in November, submitting Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar. That fight was billed as a number one contender’s match.
Days after his win, the UFC announced an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. Tsarukyan was not included in the title picture.
Why Tsarukyan Was Left Out
When asked why he was not in the interim title fight, Tsarukyan shared his thoughts with Ariel Helwani. “Because it’s a first Paramount fight. And second one, I’m too dangerous,” Tsarukyan said.
He also believes the UFC wants Pimblett to become champion. “My opinion is that they want Paddy Pimblett to be a champion,” he explained.
Tsarukyan acknowledged several controversies that may have hurt his standing with the UFC. These include a headbutt during the ceremonial weigh-ins with Hooker and an incident with a fan at UFC 300.
He was suspended after appearing to get into an altercation with a fan during his entrance at UFC 300. That suspension delayed his original title shot.
The main issue blocking a title shot is Topuria’s current situation. The lightweight champion won the belt by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 but is now dealing with a divorce and custody battle.
These personal legal issues have made Topuria inactive. He typically fights only once a year, which frustrates Tsarukyan.
BMF Belt and Featherweight Options
“I want the real title, but I don’t want to wait until then,” Tsarukyan told Helwani. “Ilia, he fights once a year. Maybe he defends his title in June and says, ‘Okay, I’ll fight next year, in June.’ Then what can I do?”
Tsarukyan is considering a move to featherweight for a title shot. He is also interested in fighting for the BMF belt if Charles Oliveira defeats Max Holloway at UFC 326.
“I’m not that young to wait a lot, too,” the 28-year-old fighter said. “So, if they give me the BMF title, that would be great, too.”
He sees a natural storyline with Oliveira, having defeated him at UFC 300. “If Charles Oliveira wins, it’s going to be good. We’ve got a story. [I’ll] just get that belt, and then the real belt.”
Tsarukyan says he can accept the situation and wait for his opportunity. But he prefers to stay active and pursue championship gold through other paths.
The UFC has not announced when Topuria might defend his lightweight title. His personal legal matters continue to keep him out of competition.
Oliveira and Holloway are scheduled to fight for the BMF belt at UFC 326. If Oliveira wins, Tsarukyan would have a rematch opportunity for that championship.
