Arman Tsarukyan: Drama and trash talk drive MMA growth

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes trash talk and pre-fight theatrics matter more than cage work when it comes to growing mixed martial arts.

Tsarukyan pointed to his own attempt to secure a bout by offering to purchase an opponent's home as proof the sport runs on drama. "The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting," he said, per Sherdog. "What's going on before the fight, the trash talk, everything."

How Tsarukyan's house offer became promotional fuel

The lightweight contender reportedly told an opponent he would buy the fighter's $3.5 million property if the man agreed to face him next. The house was already listed for sale when Tsarukyan made the pitch.

Tsarukyan has been angling for a title shot after his narrow split-decision loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January. He has won 11 of his last 12 fights in the promotion.

The Armenian-born contender is expected to return to the octagon later this year, though the UFC has not announced his next opponent.

Source: sherdog.com