Arman Tsarukyan suggests UFC fears of "Russian domination" in 2026; understand why.

Arman Tsarukyan backstage at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/armantsarukyan

Sidelined by Dana White and waiting for the outcome of the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg) to return to the most famous octagon in the world, Arman Tsarukyan has been closely observing the company's progress. In this context, the Armenian reached a curious conclusion in an interview with 'Complex' this Wednesday (21). According to him, the UFC has become increasingly fearful of the rise of Russian athletes.

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According to him, the confrontation between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje , which will define the new interim champion this Saturday (24), is a situation that favors the media interests of the Ultimate, as it involves a European measuring forces with an American.

“Petr, Khamzat, Islam, Ankalaev, me, Movsar – if we were to take all the belts, the UFC wouldn’t have any champions from the USA and England. So, if Gaethje wins, great; if Paddy wins, great too,” he stated.

Arman Tsarukyan feels the UFC is worried about Russian domination 😤🇷🇺

"Petr, Khamzat, Islam, Ankalaev, me, Movsar – if we're gonna take all the belts, then the UFC won't have champions from the US and England. So if Gaethje wins, they're good; if Paddy wins, they're good."… pic.twitter.com/jnoy6dgbWT

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 21, 2026

The fighter's statement is similar to a recent account by Khabib Nurmagomedov . The leader of the Dagestan Clan even said that Ultimate matchmakers would be resistant to signing fighters from the Caucasus. Besides Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev , figures like Movsar Evloev and Magomed Anakalaev are also prominent in their respective weight classes.

Arman Tsarukyan in victory at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/@UFC

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