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Top Contender Plots Exciting Summer Return

Originally posted on MMA Sucka | By Hank Strandberg | Last updated May 23, 2025 12:07 AM ET

No. 1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan wants to fight again this summer, and he already has a name in mind for his return bout

Arman Tsarukyan Zeroing In on English Superstar for Summer Contest

More than a year removed from his last trip to the Octagon, Arman Tsarukyan has already begun to make preparations for his first official contest of 2025. Back in January, the Armenian powerhouse was expected to compete opposite reigning 155-lb gold standard Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. He was suddenly removed from the card the day before the fight after it was revealed that he had injured his back leading up to the event and was replaced by Renato Moicano.

Now focused on getting active again, Arman Tsarukyan is targeting a comeback sometime in the summer, and he may just have a potential opponent waiting for him. Speaking with Red Corner MMA, he responds to popular lightweight star Paddy Pimblett recently calling him out, noting how “The Baddy”’s rise in the UFC has made him a stellar force in the division. He also stated that the matchup could net him more supporters from the Englishman’s own backyard.

“Paddy, he looked very good in his last fight, and now we can say he can beat top 10 fighters,” Arman Tsarukyan said. “Yeah, I’ll take that (fight). I’ll take that because he has a big name. He just beat Michael Chandler, and he has a six or seven win streak. He never lose in the UFC. It makes sense to get back and like…to get more fans from UK.”

Arman Tsarukyan, Paddy Pimblett Among Top Lightweights on the Planet

Since joining the UFC in 2019, Arman Tsarukyan has ascended to become a standout competitor in the 155-lb category, recording incredible victories over strong opposition such as Joel Alvarez, Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira. Having not stepped foot in the cage since defeating the latter at UFC 300 last year, “Ahalkalakets” has embarked on the longest stretch of inactivity of his career.

He was last seen participating in a grappling match at Karate Combat 54, where he trounced Makkasharip Zaynukov by unanimous decision.

In similar fashion, Pimblett has also taken the lightweight class by storm, currently residing at the number eight spot in the weight classes top 10 rankings. Undefeated in his seven UFC fights, the English superstar is coming off of a highlight-reel performance against former Bellator luminary Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last month. Combining his expert grappling and striking skills, Pimblett surgically broke down “Iron,” eventually nabbing the third round knockout win.

This article first appeared on MMA Sucka and was syndicated with permission.

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