Linked to a title fight with Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan has a fight scheduled for September

Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of UFC 311 title fight due to injury. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Rumored to be a contender for the UFC lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan has already confirmed his return to the sport, but outside the octagon. The Armenian will remain active in September, when he steps onto the mats of... ACBJJ 18, a grappling event that will be held in Moscow, Russia.

At 28 years old, Tsarukyan is ranked second in the UFC lightweight division, but hasn't stepped into the octagon in almost a year and a half. In his last appearance, in April of last year, the Armenian defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision at the historic UFC 300, a result that put him on a direct path to the title. The expectation was that he would face Islam Makhachev at the beginning of the current season, but the opportunity didn't materialize due to an injury suffered the day before UFC 311.

Arman Tsarukyan will compete at ACBJJ 18 on September 19th in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/e1isXixUNa

— prospector (@FlightOFists) August 27, 2025

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With no fights scheduled in the UFC, the lightweight fighter maintained his competition routine and already has two wins in grappling tournaments in 2025. In February, he defeated Makasharip Zaynukov in a match promoted by Karate Combat, and in April, he submitted former Bellator champion Patricky Pitbull with a rear-naked choke at ADXC. Now, he seeks his third consecutive victory on the mats to maintain his momentum while awaiting news from the UFC.

Keeping an eye on Topuria

Tsarukyan's activity outside of MMA comes amid increasingly intense speculation about a fight with Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, former featherweight champion and current lightweight champion, has yet to schedule his first title defense, but his name has been directly linked to a bout against the Armenian.

Besides Tsarukyan, Topuria has also been rumored to face Justin Gaethje, the former interim champion, or even engage in a rivalry against Paddy Pimblett, a fight that would attract significant attention from the British public.