Arman Tsarukyan is ranked first in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Sean O'Malley believes Arman Tsarukyan is building something historic, even in what he considers an unfavorable scenario within the UFC. Currently ranked number one in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), the Armenian fighter has yet to receive a title shot, despite a consistent run of performances. Faced with this, the fighter has chosen to circumvent the situation by competing in grappling events outside the organization, a strategy seen by 'Sugar' as extremely intelligent.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, O'Malley highlighted the unprecedented nature of Tsarukyan's career, pointing out that the athlete is becoming a true legend by expanding his popularity even while competing outside of the UFC.
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“Arman is becoming a legend. We’ve never seen this before, someone in the UFC grow and become a superstar competing outside of the UFC,” said Sean O’Malley.
Arman Tsarukyan has fifth fight in 2026
Forgotten in the UFC, Arman Tsarukyan continues to rise in combat sports. After winning in wrestling for RAF last Saturday (28), the Armenian already has a new commitment scheduled: he faces Dillon Danis on April 8, in São Paulo, at Hype FC, in a grappling duel with a belt at stake.
This will be Tsarukyan's fifth fight in 2026, a period in which the athlete remains active outside of the UFC while awaiting a decision about his future in the organization. Undefeated this season, the Armenian has victories over Lance Palmer, Georgio Poullas (twice), and Muhammad Mokaev , consolidating a good recent run of form.
Arman Tsarukyan forgotten by UFC
Despite holding the number one ranking in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Arman Tsarukyan has yet to have the opportunity to fight for the UFC belt. When he was finally scheduled to fight for the title at UFC 311 , the Armenian ended up injuring his back the day before the fight and had to be removed from the card, being replaced by Renato Moicano.
As if that weren't enough, Tsarukyan was subsequently placed only as a reserve in the fight between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria , valid for the vacant belt at UFC 317. Then, in the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324, the athlete wasn't even considered by the organization, which opted instead for Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
After watching the American defeat the Briton and win the interim belt, Arman Tsarukyan once again witnessed a lightweight title fight without his name involved, as Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria are lined up for a title unification bout at UFC White House.
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