Arman Tsarukyan has endured a challenging period in his career, marked by missed opportunities and uncertainty about his immediate future in the UFC. Despite these obstacles, the Armenian fighter remains confident that he will ultimately emerge as the next dominant force in the lightweight division, particularly as he anticipates Islam Makhachev's eventual retirement from competition.
The Long Road to a Lightweight Title Shot
A Year of Setbacks and Uncertainty
Tsarukyan's career trajectory took an unexpected turn approximately 15 months ago when a highly anticipated title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 collapsed due to injury. The fighter was forced to withdraw from the card just one day before the scheduled event, which would have given him a chance to avenge a previous loss and capture the lightweight championship. This cancellation represented a significant setback for Tsarukyan's championship aspirations.
Since his return to competition in November with a victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, Tsarukyan has seen limited activity within the UFC octagon. Instead, he has participated primarily in wrestling and grappling competitions organized by various promotions. This period of reduced mainstream visibility has kept him out of the spotlight during a crucial time in his career.
Makhachev's Move and Tsarukyan's Perspective
Meanwhile, Makhachev has pursued an ambitious path by vacating his lightweight title and moving up to welterweight, where he successfully defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a champion in a second division. Tsarukyan believes that Makhachev's competitive window is closing rapidly, predicting that his rival will retire within two fights. This assessment reflects Tsarukyan's confidence that an opportunity to claim the lightweight throne will eventually present itself, even without facing Makhachev again.
Ambitions to Become the UFC's Next Superstar
The Vision of Global Recognition
Tsarukyan has made clear his ultimate goal: to become the face of the UFC on a global scale. He articulated this vision by stating that when people see him, they will think immediately of the organization. However, he acknowledges that achieving this level of recognition requires capturing the lightweight title first. For Tsarukyan, the championship belt serves as the essential credential that will elevate his status from accomplished fighter to true superstar.
Breaking Records and Legacy Building
Beyond simply winning the title, Tsarukyan has outlined an ambitious plan for his championship reign. He aims to exceed Islam Makhachev's four title defenses by accomplishing five or six successful title defenses of his own. This goal reflects not just a desire for championship glory, but a commitment to building a lasting legacy within the sport.
At 29 years old, Tsarukyan estimates he has approximately 6 to 7 years remaining in his prime competitive years. During this window, he intends to maximize his earning potential, secure his financial future, provide for his family, and cement his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
Navigating a Complicated Relationship with the Promotion
Dana White's Public Criticism
Tsarukyan's path to stardom has been complicated by a well-documented tension with UFC leadership. CEO Dana White has publicly expressed concerns about the fighter, specifically citing Tsarukyan's involvement in off-cage altercations as problematic. These incidents have created a perception issue that Tsarukyan must overcome if he hopes to reach the promotional superstar status he envisions.
Tsarukyan's Defense and Commitment
Despite these challenges, Tsarukyan maintains that he is unaware of the UFC actively hindering his progress. He firmly believes that once given the opportunity to compete for a championship, his performances will demonstrate his true value to the organization. Importantly, he expresses genuine appreciation for the UFC, acknowledging that the promotion signed him, built his career, and provided him with high-profile opportunities including main event slots.
Tsarukyan has also addressed concerns that he might abandon the UFC if he becomes champion. He dismisses this notion, pointing out that remaining with the organization that built his reputation makes logical sense for his career development and financial security.
Contract Negotiations and Fighter Leverage
Current Flexibility in Negotiations
In his current position, Tsarukyan has distinguished himself through his cooperative approach to contract discussions. He does not haggle over compensation or complain about opponent selection, demonstrating a willingness to accept any matchup the promotion offers. This flexibility suggests confidence in his abilities regardless of the competition level.
Notably, Tsarukyan frequently displays his wealth on social media, suggesting that financial desperation does not drive his fighting decisions. This public image of affluence provides him with negotiating power rooted in genuine financial independence rather than manufactured leverage.
Future Demands as Champion
However, Tsarukyan's current flexibility does not extend to his future as a champion. Once he secures the lightweight title, he has explicitly stated his intention to demand significantly higher compensation from the UFC. He views the championship as a transformational moment when his financial demands will be justified and when he can shift from simply being accommodating to actively building wealth.
His strategy prioritizes securing the championship first, then leveraging that credential to negotiate premium pay. Long-term family security, breaking records, and building a lasting financial legacy represent his core motivations beyond the glory of the title itself.
Current Fighting Schedule and Immediate Plans
The Urijah Faber Wrestling Challenge
While awaiting a UFC contract offer, Tsarukyan has scheduled a wrestling competition against Hall of Famer Urijah Faber at RAF 8 in Philadelphia on April 18. This assignment demonstrates his commitment to maintaining competitive activity and continued development during his period of limited UFC involvement.
Readiness for Any Opponent
Tsarukyan has communicated his readiness to fight whenever the UFC presents an opportunity. He has stated his willingness to accept any contract offer and face any opponent from the top-5 or top-6 rankings in the lightweight division. This eagerness reflects his belief that he is currently in his prime and capable of defeating any contender placed in front of him. Rather than strategically waiting for the perfect matchup, Tsarukyan prefers to remain active, demonstrating his availability and commitment to moving toward his championship goal.