Fan who spent $2500 for UFC 300 tickets and went viral for getting punched by Arman Tsarukyan breaks silence

In a conversation with Bloody Elbow's Donagh Corby, the fan involved in Arman Tsarukyan's UFC 300 pre-fight altercation speaks out.

Fan who spent $2500 for UFC 300 tickets and went viral for getting punched by Arman Tsarukyan breaks silence

Unruly fan apologizes to Arman Tsarukyan (Source: IMAGO/Instagram)

On the heels of the UFC 300 PPV event, head honcho Dana White almost faced litigation trouble. One of the 155-pound contenders on the star-stacked card, Arman Tsarukyan, had punched an unruly fan during his walkout. However, White can rest easy now, as the fan has stepped forward with an apology.

The incident transpired on the UFC 300 Pay-per-view broadcast during Tsarukyan’s walkout. The fan had notoriously flipped the fighter. The lightweight fighter retaliated with a punch for the taunts. The video shows the Nevada State Athletic Commission officials reeling Arman Tsarukyan back in, but nothing else happened at the time. The fan, identified as Obed Ardon, spoke with Bloody Elbow about the fallout from that incident.

I’d like to apologize to Arman for provoking him by flipping him off....I’m glad the incident wasn’t as bad as it could have been. I will not sue. That never crossed my mind...My first thought was I hope I don’t get kicked out...
Obed Ardon via Bloody Elbow
YouTube video

He also uploaded his ticket stub & point-of-view, showing his action in progress, as Tsarukyan made his walk flanked by security and Nevada Athletic Commission officials. Ardon also informed Bloody Elbow that his punch missed the mark without summing up to any injury. By all probability, he was an ardent fan of Charles Oliveira, whom Tsarukyan faced in the event.

FS Video

Before UFC 299, the fighter attended the UFC 300 Q&A Session with ESPN MMA‘s Megan Olivi. Fans had heckled him in full support of Oliveira. The lightweight ‘Do Bronx’ has a livid fan following. Dana White was the biggest winner from Ardon’s decision to not file a lawsuit as the UFC CEO was ready to face a lawsuit. It is one less headache for the UFC boss to deal with.

UFC 300 post-fight fallout: What’s next for Arman Tsarukyan?

Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan bagged a close split decision victory at UFC 300 against former titleholder Charles Oliveira. The two came to heavy blows and clinches, but Tsarukyan rose on top on several occasions. The bout had clear implications for the #1 contender’s spot; Tsarukyan is likely next after Dustin Poirier.

Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira, UFC 300
Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira, UFC 300 (UFC.go.com/Instagram)

Fresh from UFC 300, the event took shape recently. Moreover, Tsarukyan’s manager, Sayat Abdurakhmanov, recently said that the fighter refused an immediate rebound for title glory in hopes of recovery and a training camp. Combat Sambo expert Islam Makhachev would opt for double-leg takedowns and hard clinches from the get-go. Oliveira has a completely different style, and a short training camp to prepare for another style remains a difficult task.

Back in 2019, Tsarukyan took a short-notice fight as well against Makhachev. The result did not go in his favor. As such, Tsarukyan and his team do not want to make the same mistake. At the moment, he will likely wait for his shot by the end of the year. It remains to be seen if the UFC books him another fight or not.

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