“BMFs Don’t Pull Out” – Arman Tsarukyan Targeting Max Holloway’s Belt Sparks Mockery After Dana White Snub

#1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan proposes Max Holloway fight after being snubbed off the interim title fight.

“BMFs Don’t Pull Out” – Arman Tsarukyan Targeting Max Holloway’s Belt Sparks Mockery After Dana White Snub

Arman Tsarukyan targets Max Holloway's BMF belt (via MMA Mania, Instagram)

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Arman Tsarukyan has been at the center of lightweight discussions after being passed over for the interim title shot at UFC 324, where Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett got booked instead. The decision shifted attention across the division as contenders reassessed their paths. Tsarukyan, staying active in the title picture, has now turned his focus toward Max Holloway’s BMF belt.

Tsarukyan recently returned to the UFC with a dominant arm-triangle choke win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. The bout marked his first appearance since defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. That victory solidified his position among the division’s top contenders. His ranking and momentum have remained consistent as he continues to push toward championship stakes.

After the win, Tsarukyan called out lightweight champion Ilia Topuria to underline his readiness for high-level competition. He also maintained that the Gaethje vs. Pimblett interim title booking at UFC 324 lacked competitive logic. This perspective fueled his decision to pursue the BMF belt. His recent comments reflect a strategic effort to secure meaningful opportunities.

It’s a business. At the end of the day, I have the same goal. Everybody knows that I will beat everybody and it’s just [a matter of] time. I hope they give me the BMF title at least. What are they going to give me? Who do we have in our division to fight if it’s not Holloway?

Arman Tsarukyan via ESPN MMA

A matchup between Holloway and Tsarukyan offers a compelling contrast in styles. Holloway is known for his high-volume striking and sharp boxing, while Tsarukyan relies on pressure-heavy wrestling. The tactical clash would test both fighters’ strengths. The Armenian lightweight has even indicated that he would prepare specifically for Holloway’s trademark final-seconds exchanges in the past.

Holloway dramatically won the BMF belt by knocking out Justin Gaethje in the final moments of their UFC 300 bout. The finish became one of the event’s defining highlights. He later defended the title successfully against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, reinforcing his status as a resilient champion. The belt has remained closely tied to his legacy since then.

With ‘Ahalkalakets’ pushing for fresh opportunities and Holloway standing as the reigning BMF titleholder, the broader stakes across divisions continue to build. Max Holloway is not one to back down from a challenge, keeping him in constant consideration for high-profile bouts. Arman Tsarukyan’s rise ensures that any future pairing would carry significant competitive weight.

Fans react to Arman Tsarukyan calling out Max Holloway for a BMF title fight

Fans have continued to scrutinize Arman Tsarukyan for past controversies, including his withdrawal from UFC 311 against then-champion Islam Makhachev. Many still bring up the suspension he received after striking a fan during his UFC 300 walkout. These incidents have shaped how a portion of the audience views his current ambitions. The mixed perception adds tension to any matchup he pursues.

Max Holloway Arman Tsarukyan
Max Holloway Arman Tsarukyan (via Instagram, Playoffs)

Another wave of fans believes Tsarukyan is simply looking to stay active after being snubbed from the interim title fight at UFC 324. However, some argue that his wrestling-heavy, pressure-driven style does not align with the chaotic, stand-and-trade identity associated with the BMF label. This debate has fueled ongoing discussion about whether he fits the spirit of the belt.

At the same time, many fans are reminding Tsarukyan that Charles Oliveira has already expressed interest in facing Max Holloway for the BMF title. With Oliveira being a long-standing fan favorite, supporters see that matchup as the more exciting option. They view his striking danger and finishing ability as a better fit for the belt’s aura.

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