Arman Tsarukyan ignores UFC return and announces next step in his career.

Arman Tsarukyan is ranked second in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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For those who imagined that the defeat to Colby Covington at RAF 11, held on July 18th, would bring Arman Tsarukyan back to the UFC octagon, that expectation was dashed. Forgotten by the world's largest MMA organization, the Armenian fighter was on a nine-fight winning streak in wrestling and grappling matches until he was stopped by the controversial American fighter.

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The result even led commentators to speculate about a possible return of Tsarukyan to professional MMA. However, this possibility was dismissed, as the UFC lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) is scheduled to defend the Hype FC belt against Indian fitness influencer Ankit Baiyanpuria. The grappling duel is scheduled for this Saturday (1), in Armenia.

Arman Tsarukyan is experiencing 'oblivion' in the UFC.

Arman Tsarukyan 's career took a significant turn after the Armenian fighter withdrew from his fight against Islam Makhachev with just one day's notice. Scheduled for the main event of UFC 311 , the American Top Team athlete claimed injury during his weigh-in preparation and was replaced by Renato Moicano for the event held in January 2025. Since then, he has faced a period of declining prominence in the organization.

Despite being ranked at the top of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Tsarukyan saw the division advance without his presence in the most important fights. With Makhachev's move up to welterweight (up to 77 kg), the scenario seemed favorable, but the Armenian ended up out of the title fight at UFC 317 , when Ilia Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira and won the title.

Tsarukyan returned to the octagon in December 2025 and defeated Dan Hooker by submission, but the result was not enough to put him back on the path to the title. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje gained ground, winning the interim title against Paddy Pimblett and later unifying the belt by defeating Topuria.

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