Arman Tsarukyan’s star has never shone brighter outside the Octagon. After pulling out of his scheduled lightweight title showdown with Islam Makhachev just 24 hours before the fight, many wondered if ‘Ahalkalakets’ would ever regain momentum inside the UFC. Instead, the 29-year-old Armenian turned adversity into opportunity, building a massive following through livestreams, grappling showcases and even wrestling bouts. Now he’s teasing the idea that UFC brass might be nervous he’ll walk away once he finally hoists gold.
Turning a Cancelled Title Fight into a Personal Brand
Last year’s sudden withdrawal from his head-to-head with Islam Makhachev left Tsarukyan on the sidelines as Ilia Topuria claimed the lightweight crown. While the division marched on without him, he quietly leveraged social media and crossover events, earning a reputation as one of MMA’s most engaging figures. From impromptu Q&A sessions to charity grappling exhibitions, Tsarukyan’s content has drawn fans who don’t typically follow the UFC.
He’s competed six times since his last Octagon outing, diving into everything from submission-only matches to amateur freestyle wrestling. His appearance on the Full Send Podcast revealed a candid side: he’s fully aware that his off-beat approach sets him apart. “They’re worried I’ll snag the title and vanish,” he joked—before adding he’d never desert the promotion that made him famous.
RAF08 Showdown: Tsarukyan vs. MMA Icon Urijah Faber
Tsarukyan’s next trip into the ring comes not under the UFC banner, but at RAF08 on April 18, where he’ll collide with bantamweight legend Urijah Faber in Real American Freestyle Wrestling. It’s a dream match for fans who’ve watched both careers flourish in different arenas. Faber, a pioneer of modern MMA grappling, offers a unique challenge to Tsarukyan’s evolving skill set.
Aside from bragging rights, this bout represents Tsarukyan’s continued push to diversify his resume and bank account. Live attendance for RAF events has spiked whenever he’s on the card, a trend that’s caught the eye of industry insiders. Win or lose, his marketability has never been higher, setting the stage for an explosive return to the Octagon down the line.
Why Dana White and Co. Can’t Ignore Him
Behind closed doors, sources say Dana White has reassessed his stance on Tsarukyan’s extracurricular activities. The UFC boss admitted he’s become a fan of the Armenian’s hustle, praising those livestreams for expanding the brand. That’s a far cry from the tension after Tsarukyan pulled out of the title tilt—an incident that sparked rumours the promotion feared he might jump ship once he got the belt.
But Tsarukyan’s ambitions remain crystal clear: he wants to claim UFC gold, break lightweight records and defend that title at least five or six times—surpassing Islam Makhachev’s four defences. He’s displayed a refreshing focus, rejecting the allure of chasing a second belt in favour of solidifying himself as the division’s undisputed king. “I’ve only got so many years left,” he explained. “I want to be richest, best champion before I call it a career.”
With UFC’s lightweight scene as stacked as ever, every move Tsarukyan makes matters. The buzz around his upcoming wrestling match and his potential return to MMA is a reminder that he’s more than just another contender—he’s a brand, a draw and, soon, perhaps a champion who can’t be ignored.
As fans await his clash with Faber and an eagerly anticipated UFC return, one question lingers: will Tsarukyan’s journey finally come full circle when he lifts the lightweight title, or will he rewrite the playbook once more? Stay tuned.
FAQ
When is Arman Tsarukyan’s next fight?
Tsarukyan faces Urijah Faber in a freestyle wrestling match at Real American Freestyle Wrestling 08 on April 18. After that, fans expect him to return to the UFC Octagon later this year.
Why did Tsarukyan pull out of the Islam Makhachev fight?
Tsarukyan withdrew just a day before their lightweight title bout due to undisclosed reasons. The cancellation sidelined him while Ilia Topuria captured the belt.
How many title defences does Tsarukyan aim for?
He’s set his sights on five to six title defences, aiming to surpass Islam Makhachev’s record of four defences in the UFC lightweight division.
What’s Dana White’s view on Tsarukyan’s outside ventures?
Initially skeptical, UFC president Dana White has grown to appreciate Tsarukyan’s marketing and streaming efforts, seeing them as beneficial for both fighter and promotion.
Will Arman Tsarukyan return to UFC MMA after his wrestling bout?
Yes. Despite his wrestling and grappling detours, Tsarukyan has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to the UFC, aiming to compete for—and defend—the lightweight title.