Arman Tsarukyan is preparing for a return to the Octagon, and the lightweight contender may be weighing more than one option for his next fight.
The No. 2-ranked 155-pound fighter has not competed since his victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last November. In the months since, Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has remained active in grappling competition, racking up four wins under the RAF banner and also across multiple other disciplines.
With the lightweight title picture moving forward, champion Ilia Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) is set to face interim titleholder Justin Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a unification bout scheduled for June 14 at the White House. That leaves Tsarukyan currently outside the immediate championship conversation at 155 pounds.
However, Tsarukyan revealed that his next appearance could come as soon as June, and it might even be in a different division.
“Roughly around June. They’re still deciding who I’ll fight,” Tsarukyan said during an interview with Ibra TV on Monday. “It’s even possible that I drop down to 145 pounds to fight for the title. We’ll see how things go.”
A potential move to featherweight would open the door to a title opportunity against reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski (28-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC). Still, Tsarukyan made clear that such a decision would depend on the stakes.
“Ideally, I’d prefer to stay in my weight class at 155 pounds, but if that doesn’t happen, if they offer me a title fight at 145, then why not?” he said. “Otherwise there’s no point fighting at 145 against just anyone, I’d rather stay in my own division.”
Tsarukyan also pointed to the depth and visibility of the lightweight division as a key factor in his thinking.
“Especially since in our division there are way more names, way more stars to fight and make more money, gain more exposure,” he added.
For now, Tsarukyan remains in a holding pattern as the UFC finalizes plans for his return, with both divisional paths still in play.
