Arman Tsarukyan will film the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC)-mandated public service announcement in August, paving the way for a Lightweight title shot at UFC 308.
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.
Fortunately for Tsarukyan, Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) is willing to shorten that suspension to six months if he films an anti-bullying public service announcement (PSA) — a job Tsarukyan says he’s happy to complete.
“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 have to do [the video] to help my career,” he said. “And it doesn’t bother me, it will only do good for my career. And actually, it doesn’t make any sense to put your hands on someone and waste your energy when you are walking out for an actual fight.
“The problem is I’m a hot-tempered guy,” he continued. “I’m either very kind or very angry and never a happy medium. Even when I train, it’s either light work or full contact … That’s my nature.”
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
“No they won’t, because we have a verbal agreement that I’m fighting for the title,” he said. “I don’t know if Islam was told that, but they told me I’m next in line.
“To be honest, I don’t care if he moves up a weight class,” Tsarukyan added. “Just give me the interim title then, or let him vacate the title. And I’ll fight him for it. It’s not about fighting Islam. I just need to become the champion.”
As it stands, Tsarukyan remains penciled in to fight Makhachev at UFC’s annual Abu Dhabi pay-per-view (PPV) show at the end of October. Hopefully, we’ll get to see his anti-bullying public service announcement around the same time as well.
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