Hearn Denies Signing Tsarukyan After Breakfast Photo

Eddie Hearn shot down rumors he signed Arman Tsarukyan to a promotional deal after a photo of the two surfaced last week.

The Matchroom Boxing head posted an image with the UFC lightweight contender that sparked speculation Tsarukyan would join Tom Aspinall, Ian Machado Garry, and Paulo Costa as fighters represented by Hearn outside the octagon. The timing raised eyebrows — UFC CEO Dana White had just floated the idea of featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski jumping Tsarukyan in line for a title shot against Justin Gaethje.

What Hearn Said About The Tsarukyan Meeting

Hearn clarified the encounter on Instagram, saying the two happened to be staying at the same London hotel. "Everyone went crazy for this," he wrote, per MMA Mania. "We were just staying in the same hotel randomly and arranged to have some breakfast together."

Hearn has carved out a role helping UFC fighters secure sponsorships and media attention, a service that fills gaps the promotion leaves open. He kept his deal with Garry quiet until the UFC announced Garry vs. Makhachev, but made no effort to hide the Tsarukyan breakfast.

Whether the speculation — or even the innocent breakfast itself — affects Tsarukyan's title shot chances remains to be seen. The lightweight contender is waiting to learn if he gets another crack at the belt or if Volkanovski cuts the line.

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• MMA Mania — Eddie Hearn denies signing Arman Tsarukyan to deal: ‘Just some breakfast’