Arman Tsarukyan Unfavorable UFC Treatment Explained by Colby Covington: “Don’t Get a Choice”

Controversial UFC welterweight Colby Covington highlights the UFC's "suffocating" autonomy by giving Arman Tsarukyan's example.

Arman Tsarukyan Unfavorable UFC Treatment Explained by Colby Covington: “Don’t Get a Choice”

Colby Covington talks about Arman Tsarukyan facing politics (via MMA Mania)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan has been overlooked for title opportunities despite being the No. 1 lightweight contender.
  • Colby Covington criticized UFC's matchmaking politics, stating fighters have no choice in their career paths.
  • Tsarukyan's recent activities have increased his public profile but have not improved his standing with the UFC.

The UFC has long been under scrutiny for the autonomy it holds over matchmaking and fighter careers overall. Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has become a key example, having been repeatedly overlooked for title opportunities despite his steady rise. In recent times, more fighters have started raising concerns, with the latest voice coming from controversial welterweight Colby Covington.

Tsarukyan secured the No. 1 lightweight contender spot following his split decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. However, his momentum stalled soon after as he received a nine-month suspension for headbutting a fan during his walkout. He was later scheduled to return against former rival Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 for the lightweight title, but withdrew at the last minute due to a back injury.

However, a precedent seemed to form in UFC CEO Dana White‘s eyes, who viewed Tsarukyan as an unreliable liability and consistently kept him out of key opportunities. That was evident when he was overlooked for the interim title fight at UFC 324, which significantly delayed his path forward. Covington recently pointed to this while highlighting the promotion’s internal politics through Tsarukyan’s situation.

You have no say whatsoever. You know Hunter Campbell, who is like the UFC’s lawyer, he kind of tells you what direction they are going to go, and it’s either you take it or leave it. So you don’t really get a choice about what you want to do. They are going to ice you, and they will be like, ‘Hey, you turned down this fight, you are not going to make money.’ They will freeze you out. You’re forced to take what they give you, even if it’s not a good move for your career, or they’ll ice you. Arman is definitely getting iced right now.

Colby Covington via N3on on YouTube

This is not a new criticism of how the UFC operates or manages fighter decisions across divisions. UFC legend Ronda Rousey is set to return against Gina Carano under the MVP MMA banner, adding another layer to the ongoing discourse. Rousey has gone on heated rants about pay and restrictive contractual terms that limit opportunities outside the promotion, a stance that aligns with Covington’s comments.

Covington is not the only fighter to cite Tsarukyan’s situation as an example of the UFC’s autonomy. UFC legend Daniel Cormier also suggested that Dana White had a plan and was not inclined to give the Armenian star a title shot. He added that it may have been shaped to position the UFC 324 interim title fight, resulting in Justin Gaethje as an American champion on the upcoming UFC White House card.

While Arman Tsarukyan continues to pursue opportunities and remains active despite setbacks, Colby Covington appears to be further straining his relationship with the promotion. He has recently criticized the UFC for not placing him on the UFC White House card and for not offering him a fight. These developments suggest tensions are reaching a boiling point for the controversial welterweight contender.

Arman Tsarukyan shows off a new purchase after earning money from “Side Quests”

Arman Tsarukyan’s lifestyle outside the cage is among the most luxurious in the sport today, reflecting his strong financial background. Much of his wealth is linked to his father, Nairi Tsarukyan, an Armenian millionaire and business tycoon, though he has steadily built his own portfolio. This has become clearer recently as he has expanded his opportunities and public profile after being overlooked by the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via Bloody Elbow)

Tsarukyan has maintained a strong presence across podcasts and digital platforms, collaborating with personalities such as Jake Paul. He has also stayed active in grappling circuits, most recently securing a submission win over Muhammad Mokaev at Hype Brazil. Adding to the buzz, JAXXON podcast co-host Bear Degidio recently showcased the Armenian star driving off in a metallic grey Ferrari F90 Spider.

However, while these activities have elevated Arman Tsarukyan’s public profile and visibility, they have not translated into improved standing with the promotion. UFC CEO Dana White has shown no indication of shifting his stance, and the Armenian lightweight remains outside key opportunities. Despite growing attention and popularity, he continues to be on the sidelines with the UFC brass.

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