Tsarukyan Reveals UFC Timeline For Title Shot

Arman Tsarukyan says the UFC has given him a specific window for his lightweight title shot.

The top contender told MMA Fighting this week that he expects to compete for the 155-pound belt at the start of next year. Tsarukyan pulled out of a scheduled fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 hours before the opening bell, ending what would have been his first crack at the strap since an early-career loss to the champion. He's since beaten Dan Hooker and stopped Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 332 last month, cementing his place at the front of the queue.

Tsarukyan Commits To Lightweight Division

The Armenian-born fighter said he briefly considered dropping to featherweight if the promotion stalled on booking him at lightweight. "If they wouldn't give me a title at 155, I would go down, but as I heard, I'm going to fight for the title next, beginning of next year," he said, per the outlet. "I don't want to move anywhere, because I feel like lightweight is the perfect weight class for me."

Tsarukyan added that he wants to become the best lightweight in UFC history and break division records. His path may depend on whether reigning champion Justin Gaethje decides to continue fighting after hinting at retirement following his title win at UFC Freedom 250.

The UFC finalized its major event schedule through the end of the year without a Tsarukyan title fight, pushing the contender's timeline into early 2027. That aligns with what the fighter says he's heard from the promotion. Camp could start soon.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Arman Tsarukyan reveals UFC’s timeline for long-awaited title shot