During UFC 300, lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan didn’t just face his opponent in the Octagon, but also unexpected skirmishes as he made his way to the fight. The Armenian MMA fighter was caught on camera punching a fan during his walkout for his bout against Charles Oliveira, a rare sight in the sport that left commentators and fans alike stunned.
Jon Anik described the incident live, noting, “Couple of dust-ups there DC with fans. Looks like Arman Tsarukyan getting into it with somebody on the way in tonight.” Daniel Cormier, alongside Anik in the commentary booth, expressed his surprise and concern, emphasizing the need for fighters to remain focused during their walkouts.
Despite the pre-fight distractions, Tsarukyan managed to keep his composure once inside the Octagon, taking on the former UFC lightweight champion Oliveira. In a closely contested match, Tsarukyan emerged victorious by split decision, with two of the three judges scoring the bout 29-28 in his favor. This win marks a significant milestone in his career, propelling him from the No. 4 spot to potentially the top of the lightweight rankings.
Tsarukyan calls for rematch with Makhachev after triumph over Oliveira at UFC 300
Reflecting on his victory, Tsarukyan didn’t let the earlier altercations overshadow his performance. “Hey, it was five years ago my short notice fight with Islam Makhachev. I gave him the toughest fight and the next fight I’m going to win just give me that opportunity,” he declared, setting his sights on a rematch with Islam Makhachev for the 155lb championship. Makhachev, who defeated Tsarukyan back in 2019, now finds himself as the potential next opponent for the Armenian star in a bout that could redefine both fighters’ careers.
With a professional record that now reads 22-3 overall and 9-2 in the UFC, Tsarukyan’s only other loss apart from Makhachev was to Mateusz Gamrot in 2022. His latest victory over the top-ranked Oliveira, who entered the contest as the No.1 lightweight, suggests a shift in the division’s dynamics and solidifies Tsarukyan’s position as a top contender.
As the UFC rankings update looms, the nickname ‘Akhalkalakets’ might soon resonate at the pinnacle of the lightweight class, signaling Tsarukyan’s readiness to take on the division’s best and his evolution from a promising fighter to a championship contender.