Arman Tsarukyan’s Rise: The Relentless Pursuit of UFC Gold

Title Shots and Twists: The Lightweight Division’s Unpredictable Drama

In the relentless churn of mixed martial arts, few stories are as electric as that of Arman Tsarukyan. Once considered the inevitable next challenger for Ilia Topuria’s UFC Lightweight Title, Tsarukyan now finds himself in a swirling maelstrom of speculation, sidelined by the ever-shifting priorities of matchmakers and the ambitions of fellow contenders. It’s a narrative that crackles with tension—one where opportunity and disappointment hang in the balance with every rumor and leaked betting odd.

The drama began to escalate when eagle-eyed fans noticed bookmakers quietly listing odds for a possible showdown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. With Topuria yet to confirm his next opponent, and the lightweight division ripe with hungry challengers, the odds suggested a seismic shift was in motion. Was the charismatic Pimblett about to leapfrog the queue, bypassing not only Tsarukyan but also battle-hardened veterans like Justin Gaethje?

Tsarukyan’s Road: Injuries, Near Misses, and Relentless Hope

For Tsarukyan, the path to title contention has been anything but straightforward. The Armenian phenom, known for his explosive wrestling and unflinching tenacity, was originally slated to face Islam Makhachev for the coveted belt at UFC 311. But as fate would have it, injury struck during fight week, forcing Tsarukyan to withdraw. His role then shifted to that of a backup for UFC 317, poised to step in should Topuria or Charles Oliveira falter at the scales—but both made weight, and Tsarukyan remained on the sidelines.

In the world of combat sports, timing is everything. Tsarukyan’s string of near misses has left him perpetually at the doorstep of greatness, never quite able to cross the threshold. And while fans and analysts alike agree he’s “talented enough to cause the champion some real problems,” the division’s politics and personalities keep pushing him further from the title shot he craves.

“Gaethje won’t fight Topuria… I think it’s more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje,” Tsarukyan revealed in a recent interview with Sport24. He believes Topuria’s priorities—especially the allure of potential super fights and the chase for historic triple-champ status—may keep him out of reach. “He won’t want to fight me because he can make more money fighting Islam, and he has the chance to become the first ever triple champion in history and earn big money.”

The Odds Game: Bookmakers, Rumors, and the Contenders’ Dilemma

The intrigue deepened when UFC betting sites began publishing odds for Topuria vs. Pimblett, listing ‘El Matador’ as an overwhelming favorite. The numbers, while unofficial, sent shockwaves through the fanbase: was the UFC priming the stage for Pimblett, a charismatic crowd-puller, to headline against Topuria before the year’s end?

Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje’s claim to a title shot hasn’t gone unnoticed. Despite a loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300, welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa argued passionately that Gaethje “has earned it in blood.” In a heartfelt plea on The Bohnfire podcast, Chiesa suggested that Gaethje’s sacrifices and contributions to the sport make him the sentimental favorite for one last run at the crown. “Just give the guy the fight. He earned it. He has earned it in blood, he has earned it through his efforts, through all he has given us and left us. He has given us things he will never get back.”

But as the title picture remains murky, Topuria himself seems captivated by the possibility of a crossover superfight with boxing superstar Terence Crawford, further muddying the waters for contenders like Tsarukyan and Gaethje.

Beyond the Cage: Tsarukyan’s Grappling Showdown and Armenian Pride

Even as the UFC’s matchmaking machinery grinds on, Tsarukyan continues to build his legacy elsewhere. On September 19, he’s set to face former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson at Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ACBJJ) 18 in Moscow—a clash of past and present, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. At 28, Tsarukyan remains one of the division’s most intriguing figures, blending Armenian grit with international ambition.

Rumors swirl that Tsarukyan could return to UFC action later this year in Doha, Qatar, but for now, the focus is on his grappling skills and continued evolution as a fighter. Each bout, each press conference, each rumor—these are steps in his journey, fueling both his own resolve and the hopes of fans who see in Tsarukyan not just a contender, but a standard-bearer for Armenian excellence on the global stage.

Tsarukyan’s rivalry with Topuria remains a potent undercurrent in the division. The two have danced around each other for months, each aware that their eventual clash could redefine the lightweight landscape. Yet, for now, the future remains uncertain. Will UFC brass recognize Tsarukyan’s relentless pursuit, or will he be forced to wait while others seize the spotlight?

As Jesse Holland, a veteran MMA journalist, notes, Tsarukyan’s journey is emblematic of the sport itself—a battle of perseverance, timing, and the endless hunger for respect.

The Waiting Game: What Comes Next for Tsarukyan?

For Arman Tsarukyan, the next chapter is unwritten. The leaked odds, the swirling rumors, and the shifting alliances among fighters and promoters have created a climate of uncertainty. Tsarukyan’s focus, however, remains razor-sharp: he wants his chance at gold, and he’s prepared to fight for it—inside the cage, on the mats, and in the court of public opinion.

In a sport where fortunes can change with a single punch or a snap decision from the matchmakers, Tsarukyan’s story is one of grit and hope. He’s not just chasing a belt; he’s chasing history for himself and for Armenian MMA. And as the lightweight division continues its unpredictable evolution, one thing is clear: the relentless pursuit of greatness never truly stops.

Tsarukyan’s saga is a testament to the fierce competition and shifting allegiances that define UFC’s lightweight division. His resilience, combined with tactical insight and national pride, makes him a contender whose journey is far from over—no matter how the odds or rumors play out in the coming months.

Sources: Sportscasting, Bloody Elbow, MMA News, MMA Mania