Arman Tsarukyan, a UFC lightweight fighter, has been suspended for nine months and fined $25,000 for punching a fan at UFC 300. Despite this, he may still compete for the lightweight title later this year if he participates in an anti-bullying campaign.
- UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended and fined for punching a fan during his walkout at UFC 300.
- The suspension could be reduced if Tsarukyan participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement.
- Despite the suspension, Tsarukyan remains a top contender for the UFC lightweight title and may compete later this year.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Suspension and Fine at UFC 300
At UFC 300, lightweight fighter Arman Tsarukyan faced disciplinary actions for a fan altercation during his walkout.
On April 13, as Tsarukyan made his way to the octagon for his fight against Charles Oliveira, an incident occurred that resulted in significant consequences for the fighter.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) announced on Tuesday that Tsarukyan, 27, has been suspended for nine months and fined $25,000 for throwing a punch at a fan who directed a middle finger at him.
His punch, captured live on the UFC 300 broadcast and several cell phone cameras, has led to this severe disciplinary action.
Tsarukyan’s Suspension Reduction and Title Path
Tsarukyan’s suspension will terminate on January 12, 2025.
However, the NSAC has offered to reduce the suspension to six months if Tsarukyan participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement approved by the commission. This means that Tsarukyan could be eligible to return to the octagon as early as October 12, 2024.
Despite this setback, Tsarukyan’s recent split decision victory over Charles Oliveira has solidified his status as the next title challenger in the UFC lightweight division.
His manager, Daniel Rubenstein, released a statement expressing Tsarukyan’s appreciation for the NSAC’s dealings and his commitment to working on the anti-bullying PSA to potentially reduce his suspension.
“Arman appreciates the NSAC’s dealings in this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and NSAC to produce an anti-bullying PSA to reduce his suspension and compete for a UFC lightweight title before the end of the year,” said Rubenstein.
Tsarukyan’s Title Shot and Suspension
Arman Tsarukyan, from Armenia, has a record of 22-3 and is on a four-fight winning streak. The UFC called his fight with Oliveira a “title eliminator, ” meaning he is next in line for a title shot.
He is expected to fight the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in late October in Abu Dhabi if his suspension is reduced.
There have been no legal charges against Tsarukyan for the punch, but the incident shows how intense and emotional these events can be for fighters. The UFC and its regulators are strict to keep the sport safe and fair.
Fans and the MMA community will be watching to see how Tsarukyan handles this situation and prepares for his potential title fight later this year.
