Arman Tsarukyan is the best lightweight on the planet who doesn't currently have a belt wrapped around his waist. Honestly, it’s not even a debate anymore. If you look at the Arman Tsarukyan UFC fights over the last few years, you see a guy who has systematically dismantled legends, out-wrestled world-class grapplers, and flat-out sparked elite strikers.
Yet, as we sit here in early 2026, he’s watching from the sidelines.
While Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje prepare to scrap for an interim belt at UFC 324, Tsarukyan—the actual #1 ranked contender—is stuck in the "Dana White Doghouse." It’s a weird spot. He’s clearly the most dangerous man in the division, but a mix of bad luck, injury timing, and a very public headbutt on Dan Hooker has left him as the odd man out.
The Night That Changed Everything: UFC 300 and the Oliveira War
If you want to understand the hype, you have to go back to April 2024. UFC 300. Tsarukyan was matched up against Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira. This wasn't just another fight; it was a title eliminator with the highest possible stakes.
The first round was a nightmare. Oliveira jumped a guillotine that looked tight enough to pop Arman's head off. Most guys tap there. Arman didn't. He kept his cool, fought the hands, and eventually popped his head out like it was just another Tuesday at American Top Team.
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He spent the next two rounds proving he was the "new breed." He didn't just wrestle Charles; he beat him at his own game. He landed vicious elbows that opened a massive gash on Oliveira's head. Even when Charles threw a late D'Arce choke in the closing seconds of the third, Arman just gave a thumbs up to the referee. He won the split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) and seemingly punched his ticket to a rematch with Islam Makhachev.
But then, things got complicated.
Why Arman Tsarukyan UFC Fights Keep Getting Derailed
Success in the UFC is 50% skill and 50% timing. Arman has the skill, but his timing has been tragic.
After beating Oliveira, he was offered the title shot against Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025. This was the fight everyone wanted. The rematch of their 2019 "Fight of the Night" debut where a 22-year-old Arman gave Islam his toughest test on short notice.
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Then, disaster. One day before the event, Tsarukyan had to pull out.
The Back Injury and the Dana White Snub
A back injury sidelined him at the worst possible moment. Dana White, never one to hide his frustration, basically told the media that Arman wouldn't be getting another immediate shot. "He's going to have to fight his way back," White said. It felt harsh, but that's the business.
To make matters worse, Arman's return fight against Dan Hooker in November 2025 was marred by a bizarre incident. At the ceremonial weigh-ins, Arman actually headbutted Hooker. It was wild. Unprofessional? Definitely. But that’s Arman—he’s high-intensity 24/7. He went on to dominate Hooker, finishing him with an arm-triangle choke in the second round, but the damage to his reputation with the UFC brass was already done.
The Statistical Monster: Breaking Down the Style
When you watch Arman Tsarukyan UFC fights, you aren't just seeing a wrestler. You're seeing a guy who averages over 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes but also lands nearly 4 significant strikes per minute.
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- The Beneil Dariush KO: This was the "holy crap" moment. December 2023. Arman walked into the Octagon and flatlined Dariush in just 64 seconds. A knee to the head followed by a straight right. It proved he wasn't just a grinder; he had "go to sleep" power.
- The Wrestling Base: He is a Master of Sport in Freestyle Wrestling. Guys like Matt Frevola (who he took down 10 times) and Davi Ramos simply couldn't handle the chain wrestling.
- The Durability: He has only been finished once in his entire career, and that was way back in 2015. In the UFC, he’s effectively bulletproof.
What’s Actually Next for Ahalkalakets?
Right now, the lightweight division is a mess. With Ilia Topuria moving around weight classes and the UFC pushing the Pimblett vs. Gaethje interim narrative, Arman is essentially the "final boss" that everyone is trying to avoid.
He’s currently 23-3. He’s won 10 of his last 11 fights. He’s beaten Oliveira, Dariush, and Hooker. There is literally nobody left for him to fight except the champion.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re betting on or following Tsarukyan’s career, keep these three things in mind:
- The Featherweight Pivot: Arman has already started talking about dropping to 145 lbs if the 155 lb title shot remains blocked. He’s 5'7" and has fought at featherweight before (back in 2017).
- The Makhachev Rematch is Inevitable: Whether it’s for a belt or just pride, these two are destined to fight again. Their styles are mirror images, and many experts believe Arman is the only person who can actually out-grapple the Dagestani champion.
- Ignore the Rankings, Watch the Tape: Rankings say he's #1, but the matchmaking says he's #5. Don't let the interim title talk fool you; Tsarukyan is the most skilled lightweight on the roster today.
The path forward for Arman is simple but difficult: stay active and keep finishing people. If he keeps submitting guys like he did to Hooker, the UFC won't be able to deny him the undisputed title shot by the summer of 2026. He is too good to be ignored forever.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close eye on the UFC 324 post-fight press conference. If Gaethje or Pimblett win the interim strap, the very first name out of their mouths—or Dana’s—will likely determine if Arman finally gets his redemption or if he has to take one more "contender" fight to prove his worth.