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Arman Tsarukyan reveals the one fight he would take that isn’t for the UFC lightweight title

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 10:51 AM ET

Even though Arman Tsarukyan is closer than ever to a lightweight title shot, he understands that the UFC isn’t going to wait around for him.

Tsarukyan fell out of favour with Dana White after pulling out of his scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev in 2025, a decision that clearly didn’t sit well with the UFC president.

His withdrawal from the UFC 311 main event also led to another setback when White chose Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje to fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, leaving Tsarukyan on the outside looking in once again.

And despite being within reach of the 155lb title, Tsarukyan has said he would be open to taking another fight even if it wasn’t for the championship. Speaking on a Q&A shared on his YouTube channel, Tsarukyan opened up about his current mindset.

Tsarukyan Open to BMF Title fight while waiting on lightweight shot

This past weekend, the Armenian featured in Real American Freestyle, going up against Lance Palmer, a standout All-American wrestler.

Tsarukyan went on to utterly dominate the former PFL champion, showcasing his dominance across promotions.

That win came just weeks after he captured a title in ACBJJ by submitting Mehdi Baydulaev back on December 17.

Although he’s been keeping busy outside of the UFC, Tsarukyan has made it clear that he’s open to taking another fight inside the Octagon, even if it’s not for the lightweight title.

With Max Holloway set to defend his BMF belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 325 on March 7th, Tsarukyan says he’d be interested in facing whoever comes out on top.

“If Charles Oliveira wins, that’s gonna be good. We’ve got the story and then get that belt and then go for the real belt. Just to stay busy. The grappling and wrestling is good but I’m here for the UFC.”

If Topuria doesn’t end up fighting this year, Tsarukyan believes his best path forward is to take on either Paddy or Justin in June with a shot at lightweight gold potentially waiting down the line.

Tsarukyan open to Featherweight move in pursuit of title

‘Ahalkalakets’ is considered by many to be the top lightweight in the world, with a significant portion of the UFC fanbase backing him over Ilia Topuria.

And despite being a big 155lb fighter, Tsarukyan has admitted that he would be interested in a future move down to featherweight to fight for the title.

And although he’s naturally suited for 155lbs, Tsarukyan has expressed interest in eventually dropping down to featherweight if it meant a shot at another belt.

“I’m not too big for 155lbs, so maybe one day I’ll go down to 145lbs just for a title fight.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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