Why the UFC has a dilemma with Arman Tsarukyan after his RAF brawl

Tsarukyan has been involved in incidents both inside and outside the UFC, struggling to stay out of controversy whether it’s during fight weeks or his grappling appearances away from the promotion.

This isn’t his first incident on the mats either. Back in December, he caught criticism for throwing a knee at Mehdi Baydulaev during their match.

When it comes to handling Tsarukyan’s behaviour, Brendan Schaub doesn’t think the solution is straightforward for the UFC.

“He gets the winner of Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira; he beats both of them… The only guy who has a shot to beat him is Ilia Topuria. Outside of that, he mops the floor with everybody.”

“The UFC is in a bit of a pickle here,” Schaub continued. “He’s built his value. He’s built his exposure. That’s exactly what the UFC wants from guys… How do you discipline this guy? He’s too good.”

What the UFC has reportedly told Arman Tsarukyan

Before his latest controversy, it appeared that Tsarukyan had served his time for previous infractions and was back in the mix.

After being overlooked for the interim lightweight title fight earlier in the year, he recently suggested there had been a shift in communication from the UFC about a potential title opportunity.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan said: “I already talked to Hunter (Campbell) a couple of weeks ago, we’ve got a couple of options.”

“Like, title fights, like just (normal) fights; I don’t know, we’ll see how it plays out. Any (title fight). 170 pounds, 145 pounds, 155 pounds. A fight for the 155-pound title (is the most appealing option they gave me), in like September or October, after Justin (fights for the title).

He added: “It was a good meeting. We always have good meetings. I’m always good with Hunter. They said keep doing what you’re doing.”

That direction from Campbell likely wasn’t meant to cover what happened at RAF 6 though and it remains to be seen if this will alter any future plans.