Shots fired from “The Hangman”
Arman Tsarukyan was supposed to fight Islam Makhachev this past weekend for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight championship, but the day before the title fight, Tsarukyan pulled out due to a back injury.
Tsarukyan got his fair share of criticism, but top 6-ranked Lightweight contender Dan Hooker really let him have it on his recent appearance on Submission Radio.
“That’s our sport. It’s never smooth sailing,” Hooker said. “How are you getting injured on your day off? I’ve got no idea. I thought it was pretty strange, bro. To get such a severe injury that you need to pull out when you’re cutting weight, you know?
“It must be a severe injury,” Hooker added. “I don’t know how you would pass up on that opportunity. I obviously saw Dana White just say that he ain’t getting the title shot next, and he’s going to have to work his way back up to the belt. You know, Daddy can’t buy you a backbone, can he?”
“The Hangman” has taken plenty of shots at Tsarukyan in the past, so this recent one is no surprise. His daddy line references Tsarukyan saying his father is very wealthy during his UFC 311 media day interview with the media.
Nevertheless, Hooker returns to action against Justin Gaethje in the co-main event of UFC 313 in two months, and maybe after that, he and Tsarukyan can clash in the Octagon.