UFC 300 was an eventful night for Arman Tsarukyan. Although he secured his spot as the likely contender for a lightweight title fight, he also did something that could wreck his title plans against Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan was slapped with a hefty fine and a potentially disastrous suspension this week.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission has issued a nine-month suspension for UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan for his altercation with a fan at UFC 300. The commission approved an adjudication agreement that will have Tsarukyan suspended until January next year. He also faced a $25,000 fine along with $471.12 in prosecution fees that he now has to pay.
But why did all of this happen? Back at the UFC 300 mega event, Arman Tsarukyan took on Charles Oliveira for the #1 contender spot in the lightweight division. While walking out for that fight, the Armenian heard a fan shouting at him from the crowd. That turned into an altercation for a brief moment which unfortunately got physical.
According to Tsarukyan, the fan had shown him the finger and wanted to punch him so he punched him back. The Armenian was unapologetic when asked about his actions at the UFC 300 post-fight conference. He believed actions have consequences and thus acted in a manner true to his roots.
Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended nine months (retroactive) and fined $25,000 (+$471.12 in fees) by the NSAC for his #UFC300 altercation with a fan. His suspension can be reduced to six months if he produces a video for an anti-bullying campaign. pic.twitter.com/JgX34GHhJL
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) June 25, 2024
Tsarukyan won the fight against Oliveira at UFC 300. However, his purse was withheld. Now he will get his pending pay once the $25000 fine is taken out by the commission. However, this is not the biggest concern for the Armenian contender. With just six months left to 2024, a nine-month suspension would mean he could lose out on a likely title fight against Islam Makhachev.
Is Arman Tsarukyan out of the title discussion against Islam Makhacev
According to ongoing rumors, Islam Makhachev will headline UFC Abu Dhabi later this year in October. He recently fought and defeated Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June. Now with a nine-month ban, there is no way Tsarukyan can compete against the Dagestani champion for his title. Does that mean the Armenian has to say goodbye to his title shot this year?
Islam Makhachev Vs Arman Tsarukyan back in 2019 (Image via X)Luckily, Tsarukyan can have his suspension reduced to six months. All he has to do is complete an approved anti-bullying message for the NYSAC. This means he could have his suspension over by as early as October, just in time to headline Abu Dhabi.
Arman Tsarukyan has been issued a 9-month suspension, terminating on Janaury 12, 2025, for his pre-fight incident involving a fan at UFC 300. Suspension can be reduced to 6 months if he produces an anti-bullying PSA.
Also received a $25K fine and prosecution fees of $471.12,… pic.twitter.com/rdRHaT4Nm9
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) June 25, 2024
The commission reportedly agreed to provide Tsarukyan with this leeway thus ensuring that he would not miss out on a major opportunity of his career. Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman, Dallas Haun issued a warning that this form of agreement was a “one-time offer” only. Anybody else involved in such similar mishaps would not be so fortunate.
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