Arman Tsarukyan is currently serving a nine-month suspension for trying to punch a fan in the stands at UFC 300, which would take him out of the running for a Lightweight title shot against division champion, Islam Makhachev, at UFC 308 on Oct. 26, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Tsarukyan is fortunate enough to have the support of the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), which has agreed to reduce his suspension to six months on the condition that he records a public service announcement (PSA) against bullying. Tsarukyan gladly accepts this responsibility and is willing to fulfill it.
“I will shoot that anti-bullying video at the beginning of August, and my suspension ends on [October] 13th,” he said in a new interview with Sport 24 (via Red Corner MMA). “I just need to make that video, then hopefully I’m going to fight at the end of October or early November.”
Tsarukyan wasn’t very apologetic regarding the incident immediately after UFC 300, suggesting anyone foolish enough to point a middle finger at him deserved to be punched. But, in this latest video, the 27-year-old fighter was more contrite.
“I must create [the video] to advance my career,” he stated confidently. “It doesn’t concern me at all; in fact, it will only benefit my professional growth. Besides, it’s illogical to engage in physical altercations and expend energy when you’re preparing for a real fight.”
He continued, expressing, “My predicament lies in my quick-tempered nature. I tend to swing between extreme kindness and intense anger, lacking a balanced middle ground of contentment. This inclination extends to my training as well, where I either engage in light exercises or go for full-contact intensity. It’s simply a part of who I am.”
Tsarukyan dismissed the possibility that UFC might try to book Makhachev versus Leon Edwards in a “Champ vs. Champ” fight if “Rocky” emerges victorious against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 later this month (Sat., July 27, 2024) in Manchester, England.
Arman Tsarukyan punched a fan during his walkout to fight Charles Oliveira pic.twitter.com/DMoX27o8H1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 14, 2024
“They won’t, as we have a verbal agreement stating that I will be fighting for the title,” he stated. “I’m not sure if Islam was informed about this, but they assured me that I am the next in line.”
Tsarukyan expressed, “To be completely honest, I am indifferent to whether he decides to move up a weight class. What I truly seek is the interim title, or for him to relinquish the title so I can challenge for it. My goal is not to fight Islam specifically, but rather to attain the championship and become the ultimate victor.”
Currently, Tsarukyan is still scheduled to fight Makhachev at the UFC’s yearly Abu Dhabi pay-per-view event in late October. With any luck, we’ll also get the opportunity to witness his anti-bullying public service announcement during that period.
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