Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arman Tsarukyan Suspended for Punching Fan at UFC 300

Originally posted on Wrestling on SI | By Justin Barrasso | Last updated Jun 25, 2024 1:30 PM ET

Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for hitting a fan during his walk to the Octagon this past April at the T-Mobile Arena at UFC 300. Tsarukyan was also fined $25,000 for his actions.

Arman Tsarukyan punched a fan during his walkout to fight Charles Oliveira pic.twitter.com/DMoX27o8H1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 14, 2024

In a UFC 300 lightweight bout with strong title implications, Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision. That victory propelled Tsarukyan (22-3) one step closer to a title bout against reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Tsarukyan’s suspension can be reduced to six months if he meets the guidelines set in an anti-bullying campaign video. The suspension is retroactive, so a six-month timeline takes him to October 12–and a nine-month suspension would extend to January 12.

The suspension, which is expected to be upheld by other athletic commissions, could derail Tsarukyan’s title shot, which felt like a certainty. Depending on when Makhachev makes his next title defense, another contender could jump him in line for a shot at the belt.

This article first appeared on Wrestling on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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