Arman Tsarukyan, after missing his opportunity to compete for the UFC lightweight championship, opted to remain active by fighting outside the UFC. Following his withdrawal from a scheduled title bout with Islam Makhachev in January, Tsarukyan fell out of favor with the UFC management. Recently, when UFC president Dana White announced an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, Tsarukyan’s reaction was critical.
Just a week ago, Tsarukyan, who is the top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, secured a world title outside the UFC by defeating Mehdi Vaidulaev at an ACBJJ event. He is set to compete again soon in a grappling match against fellow UFC fighter Shara Magomedov at Hype FC under modified rules. Additionally, Tsarukyan was announced to participate in a wrestling match at RAF 5 on January 10, facing former PFL featherweight champion Lance Palmer in Sunrise, Florida. The event will be headlined by UFC star Colby Covington versus former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. RAF wrestling is regaining popularity, with RAF 04 recently held and Yoel Romero making headlines with an impressive win.
UFC coach Dana White recently commented that Tsarukyan still has significant work ahead before earning another lightweight title shot. Despite Tsarukyan’s ongoing activity outside the UFC, it seems unlikely that competing elsewhere will bring him closer to the UFC title most of his fans believe he deserves. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan maintains rivalries with UFC fighters Ilya Topria and Paddy “The Buddy,” aiming to challenge one of them for the title soon.
Fan Take: Tsarukyan’s choice to stay active outside the UFC highlights the challenges fighters face when opportunities within the promotion are limited, showcasing how alternative platforms can offer vital competition and visibility. This could signal a shift in MMA, where fighters increasingly seek success beyond the UFC, potentially broadening the sport’s landscape and options for athletes.
