Arman Tsarukyan might be in the UFC doghouse, but Brendan Schaub thinks “Ahalkalakets” won’t be held back for much longer.
The general consensus within the MMA community is that Tsarukyan is the true No. 1 contender for a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship. He will have to wait, as Justin Gaethje captured the interim gold back in January. That means Gaethje is due a title unification bout against Ilia Topuria.
During a new edition of “The Schaub Show,” Schaub opined on Tsarukyan’s current situation. The former UFC heavyweight feels Tsarukyan’s elite abilities will force his promoter’s hand (via MMAMania.com).
”How do you discipline Arman Tsarukyan,” Schaub said. “Go to the 155 rankings. Who do you give him to discipline him? What are you gonna do? He gets the winner of Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira [who fight at UFC 326]; he beats both of them.”
Schaub went on to say UFC’s biggest issue is that the 155-pound champion is the only one who can stop Tsarukyan’s momentum.
“The only guy who has a shot to beat him is the champion, Ilia Topuria,“ Schaub added. ”Outside of that, he mops the floor with everybody. The UFC is in a bit of a pickle here. He’s built his value. He’s built his exposure. That’s exactly what the UFC wants from guys. How do you discipline this guy? He’s too good.”
Tsarukyan has been staying busy outside of the Octagon with some freestyle wrestling. Recently, he found himself in a brawl with Georgio Poullas following their RAF match. The two are planning to have a rematch at some point, and Poullas wants it to take place under the RAF banner.
Do you think Arman Tsarukyan competes in a UFC title fight before the end of 2026? Let your voice be heard in the comments below.