Fast-rising lightweight sensation Arman Tsarukyan is currently ranked No. 1 at 155 pounds and is expected to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the undisputed title as part of the upcoming UFC 308 pay-per-view (PPV) event on Oct. 26 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
There’s just one problem with that timeline.
Tsarukyan was just suspended nine months by Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), punishment for his UFC 300 fan attack that nearly got the promotion sued. Fortunately, “Ahalkalakets” can have that sentence reduced to six months if he completes a video on anti-bullying.
Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended nine months (retroactive) and fined $25,000 (+$471.12 in fees) by the NSAC for his #UFC300 altercation with a fan. His suspension can be reduced to six months if he produces a video for an anti-bullying campaign. pic.twitter.com/JgX34GHhJL
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) June 25, 2024
“I didn’t pull him towards me, yell out offensive words or anything of that nature,” the overzealous fan, Obed Ardon, told Bloody Elbow after the incident. “I flipped him off, nothing else. Congrats to Arman on a great performance and best of luck to him against whoever he fights for the title.”
Tsarukyan went on to capture a split decision victory over former champion Charles Oliveira and was promptly presented with an opportunity to secure his title fight at UFC 302 in Newark; however, “Ahalkalakets” declined and the Makhachev bout went to longtime contender Dustin Poirier.
A bout that could serve as “The Diamond’s” final appearance inside the Octagon.