Arman Tsarukyan`s current relationship with the UFC appears to be strained, to say the least.
Just four months ago in January, Tsarukyan was scheduled to headline UFC 311 against lightweight champion and top pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev. Disaster struck when a back injury forced Tsarukyan out of the fight the day before the event. According to UFC CEO Dana White, this incident caused Tsarukyan to lose his position as the top contender.
Tsarukyan, who recently secured a victory at Karate Combat 54, is still awaiting his next UFC fight booking. He revealed that the promotion`s matchmakers offered him a bout against Mateusz Gamrot. However, because Gamrot is ranked lower (currently No. 7), Tsarukyan decided to turn down the offer.
Explaining his refusal, Tsarukyan stated, “Gamrot. What`s the point? If someone needs it, they need it more than I do. Why did he get such a gift?”
Had the fight happened, it would have given Tsarukyan an opportunity to avenge his June 2022 loss to Gamrot. Their previous encounter was a thrilling, back-and-forth contest that earned Fight of the Night honors, ultimately resulting in a decision win for Gamrot. This remains Tsarukyan`s only other loss in the UFC apart from his promotional debut defeat to Makhachev.
For Tsarukyan, risking his high ranking against a lower opponent just wasn`t worth it, even for a potential main event spot later this summer.
He elaborated, “They offered me a fight in Abu Dhabi in July, main event of the evening, but I refused because they offered an opponent I didn’t want to fight. He’s ranked below me and I didn’t see the point in fighting him just for money. There’s no point in me to fight him in MMA [at this stage]. I need to fight at least from the top 5 or 6 to win and guarantee myself a title shot next. There’s no point in just fighting.”
“I am No. 1,” he added, “why should I gift a fight to No. 10? Nobody gave me such a gift when I was in the top 10. I fought top 9, top 8, top 7, top 5, top 4, before I became No. 1. I don’t want to give up my rank just like that.”
When asked if he was concerned his refusal to fight Gamrot might upset UFC officials, Tsarukyan reversed the perspective, suggesting he felt *he* was the one who had been treated unfairly by the proposed matchup.
“No,” Tsarukyan replied. “The UFC has angered me that they offered me such an opponent.”
He continued, “For them, this is disrespectful towards me. I deserve better. I’m ranked No. 1. I’m not saying give me a title fight, but give me a No. 1 contender fight.”
