Arman Tsarukyan`s relationship with the UFC appears strained right now.
Only four months ago in January, Tsarukyan was scheduled to face lightweight champion and top pound-for-pound fighter Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. However, a back injury forced his withdrawal just a day prior, and UFC CEO Dana White reportedly stated that Tsarukyan had lost his position as the top contender.
Tsarukyan, who recently won at Karate Combat 54, is waiting for his next fight assignment in the UFC. He revealed to Sport24 that the promotion offered him Mateusz Gamrot as his next opponent. Tsarukyan declined the offer because Gamrot is ranked lower than him (currently No. 7 in the official rankings).
Regarding the offer, Tsarukyan stated (translated from Russian), “Gamrot. What`s the reason? If someone needs this fight, they need it more than me. Why was he given such an opportunity?”
If the fight had happened, Tsarukyan would have had a chance to avenge his June 2022 loss to Gamrot. Their previous bout was a thrilling “Fight of the Night,” which Gamrot won by decision. This loss is one of only two in Tsarukyan`s UFC career, the other being his debut against Makhachev.
For Tsarukyan, the risk to his ranking wasn`t worth taking, even for a potential main event slot this summer. “They offered me a fight in Abu Dhabi in July, the main event, but I declined because they proposed an opponent I didn`t want to face,” Tsarukyan explained. “He`s ranked below me, and I didn`t see the logic in fighting him just for the money. There`s no benefit for me to fight him in MMA. I need to fight someone ranked at least in the top 5 or 6 to secure a title shot afterward. Just fighting has no purpose.”
He added, “I am No. 1 [contender], why should I hand a fight to No. 10? Nobody gave me such an easy opportunity when I was in the top 10. I fought top 9, top 8, top 7, top 5, top 4 opponents before reaching the No. 1 spot. I don`t want to risk my rank like this.”
When asked if he was concerned that refusing Gamrot might upset UFC officials, Tsarukyan redirected the sentiment. He feels he is the one who should be upset by the proposed matchup.
“No,” Tsarukyan stated firmly. “The UFC has angered me by offering such an opponent.”
He elaborated, “This feels disrespectful to me from their side. I deserve something better. I`m ranked No. 1. I`m not demanding an immediate title fight, but I should be given a fight that determines the No. 1 contender.”
