“Actions Have Consequences” – Arman Tsarukyan Accepting Fate of Title Fight Snub Raises Debate

As the lightweight division continues to evolve, speculation about upcoming matchups has been growing. Analysts and fighters alike are weighing in on who will emerge as the next significant contender, with several names circulating as possible challengers for the top spots. Armenian star Arman Tsarukyan recently weighed in on the next possible matchup for champion Ilia Topuria.

Tsarukyan is ranked at #2 in the 155-pound division and was the obvious challenger for the champion. He has been vocal regarding an opportunity for a title shot. However, ever since his last victory against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has not set foot in the Octagon. He was set to fight former champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but had to pull out due to a back injury.

He recently shared his thoughts on Topuria’s next potential opponent in an interview with Sport 24. According to him, a fight against #5 Justin Gaethje seemed unlikely at this stage. Instead, Tsarukyan believed that Paddy Pimblett was a more probable matchup. This perspective reflects the ongoing strategic planning in the lightweight division, where timing and fighter trajectories play a critical role.

Gaethje won’t fight Topuria. I think it’s more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje. I think he’ll defend his title, and if Islam wins the title, he’ll move up to 170 and want to become a triple champ.

Arman Tsarukyan via Sport 24

Tsarukyan’s comments reflect the sudden shift in power in the lightweight division. Ever since Makhachev moved up to the welterweight division to fight Jack Della Maddalena for the title, there has been confusion regarding the best possible matchup for Topuria. However, Tsarukyan believed that he did not stand a chance if Topuria decided to move up to 170 pounds for triple champion status or money.

He won’t want to fight me because he can make more money fighting Islam, and he has the chance to become the first-ever triple champion in history and earn big money.

Arman Tsarukyan via Sport 24

Topuria moved up from the featherweight division to fight Makhachev for the lightweight title. However, the Dagestani superstar had already vacated the belt to move up to the 170-pound division. Topuria took on the next best challenge and knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 to win the vacant lightweight belt. He faced off with Pimblett in the cage after his win, which only further fuels Tsarukyan’s comments.

Ultimately, the lightweight division remains dynamic, with each fighter positioning themselves for title contention. Predictions like Tsarukyan’s provide insight into how fighters view the landscape. Still, the final matchups will likely be determined by a mix of strategy, timing, and the UFC’s vision for the division’s future.

Fans discuss Arman Tsarukyan getting snubbed for the Ilia Topuria title shot

Fans are divided on whether fighters should face penalties for withdrawing from the scheduled title bout. Some argue that pulling out of fights, especially close to event dates, disrupts the promotion and disappoints fans, suggesting that consequences are necessary to maintain the integrity of the sport. Others believe that injuries and circumstances can affect fighters’ decisions, and penalizing them might be unfair.

When Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of UFC 311, he faced intense scrutiny from fans and the MMA community. UFC CEO Dana White himself levied a punishment on Tsarukyan to prove himself for title contention all over again. Fans viewed the pullout as detrimental to his career momentum. They argued that frequent pullouts can harm a fighter’s reputation and hinder progression within the promotion.

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Comment
byu/MhShovkhalov from discussion
inufc

Beyond fight cancellations, Tsarukyan has also faced scrutiny for incidents outside the octagon. His scuffle with a fan at UFC 300 drew significant attention and led to his nine-month suspension by the Nevada Commission. Many observers have noted that such confrontations, even if brief, can significantly impact a fighter’s public image and relationship with the promotion.

Combined with recent pullouts, this incident has created additional hurdles for Tsarukyan as he navigates his path toward title contention. This truly does highlight how both professional decisions and personal life behaviors can influence a fighter’s trajectory.

Also Read:

• “Give It a Rest” – Fans Troll Michael Chandler for Optimism Around Conor McGregor Money Fight at White House Event
• Shocking COVID Era ‘Fight’ Revealed by Dana White Among UFC Executives