After being overlooked for a title shot in the UFC, Arman Tsarukyan has chosen to keep active by fighting outside of the promotion.
Tsarukyan first ran into trouble with the UFC after pulling out of his title fight with Islam Makhachev back in January. Since then, he has not managed to get back into their good graces.
His situation did not improve when Dana White announced a fight for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 324. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett were lined up for the bout, leaving Tsarukyan out of the picture once again.
Last week, the 29-year-old found success outside the organisation, capturing a world title by submitting Mehdi Baydulaev at an ACBJJ event.
Arman Tsarukyan set to face former champion in upcoming match
‘Ahalkalakets’ is back on the mats next week, taking part in a modified rules grappling contest against UFC fighter Shara Magomedov at Hype FC.
This will not be his only appearance outside the octagon, with Monday’s announcement confirming another bout. The 29-year-old will also feature at RAF 5, this time competing in a wrestling match.
Tsarukyan is lined up to face former PFL featherweight champion Lance Palmer on January 10 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.
The card’s main event has Colby Covington going up against Luke Rockhold, the former UFC middleweight champion.
RAF has been drawing plenty of attention lately. Over the weekend, RAF 4 saw Yoel Romero deliver a standout win that made headlines across the sport.
Is Tsarukyan’s current approach the right move?
Recently, Dana White made it clear that Tsarukyan still has some ground to cover before earning another shot at the lightweight belt.
Even though he is competing regularly, taking fights outside of the UFC is not likely to help his case for a title opportunity – a point many fans have raised.
While away from the Octagon, Tsarukyan has not been quiet. He has kept up his back-and-forth with Ilia Topuria and Pimblett’, hoping that one day soon, one of those matchups could come with a title on the line.
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