Arman Tsarukyan believes his long awaited UFC title shot could arrive either in the summer or toward the end of the year, but only if the pieces ahead of him fall into place.
Everything, in his words, depends on divisional champion Ilia Topuria and when he is ready to return. Topuria’s decision to step away from competition early in 2026 has left the division on hold for a while.
The UFC responded by booking an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, and the winner is expected to clash with Topuria. Tsarukyan has made it clear that if Topuria does not fight this summer, he expects to be next in line for the title.
In an interview with Helen Yee, he said:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
“Hopefully it’s in the summer or at the end of this year, I’ll fight for the belt, for the title. I can’t wait, and that’s why I’m doing wrestling and grappling things, just spending time… It hasn’t been confirmed yet [that I will get the title shot in the summer] because there’s Ilia. If Ilia fights, I have to wait. If he’s not going to fight in the summer, then I’m next for the belt.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below (2:20):
While waiting, Tsarukyan has stayed active in wrestling and grappling competitions. He recently picked up a dominant win against Lance Palmer by a 10-0 technical fall in a freestyle wrestling match at the RAF 5 event.
As for his pick for the upcoming interim tight fight, Tsarukyan wants Gaethje to win. He believes the American would accept a fight with him, unlike Pimblett, who he feels would try to avoid that matchup.
Arman Tsarukyan talks about weight cut for backup role as title wait continues
Arman Tsarukyan has made it clear he has little interest in cutting weight unless a fight for the title is guaranteed. The top lightweight contender revealed the UFC did not contact him about serving as backup for Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Tsarukyan said he would have agreed if asked, but stressed that draining weight cuts are not worth it without a bout attached. In an interview with Shakeil Mahjouri, he said:
“I didn’t talk to [the UFC]. And I wouldn’t cut my weight just for money. Because it’s hard. If they ask me I’ll do it. But they didn’t ask. So it’s better for me. If I cut, I wanna fight. I already cut in June. And nothing happened, and I just spent all my energy in the training camp for the weight cut. It’s all the stress when you cut your weight.”
Edited by Abhishek Nambiar