Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC’s top lightweight contender, turned down a main event slot for the UFC’s Abu Dhabi card on July 26, 2025, deeming the proposed rival unfit for his ranking. The 28-year-old Armenian, holding a 22-3 record with four straight victories, viewed the offer as disrespectful after his win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. In a Sport24 interview, Tsarukyan demanded a top-five or top-six fighter to solidify his championship path. His stance follows a back injury that canceled his title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January 2025.
The Offer
The UFC suggested Tsarukyan face Mateusz Gamrot, ranked No. 7 with a 24-2 record, in Abu Dhabi. Gamrot, who beat Tsarukyan in 2022, lost to Dan Hooker at UFC 305 in August 2024. Tsarukyan rejected the matchup, believing it jeopardizes his No. 1 spot. He proposed Hooker, No. 5 with three consecutive wins, as a better choice .
Tsarukyan expressed frustration, stating:
“(The UFC) offered me a fight in Abu Dhabi in July, main event, but I turned it down because they offered me an opponent I didn’t want to fight. He is below me in the rankings, so I didn’t see any reason to fight him. In MMA, I see no reason to fight just for money.” He stressed his need for a high-ranked rival, saying:
“I need to fight a top-five or top-six opponent at the very least to make sure my next fight will be for the title. I am the No. 1 contender. Why should I give such a gift to a guy who’s ranked No. 10? Nobody did that for me when I made it to the top 10. I fought top nine, top eight, top seven, top five, top four before I became No. 1. I don’t want to put my spot on the line for free.”
He added:
“It’s the UFC who made me angry when they offered me that kind of an opponent. I would say it was disrespectful to me from their side to offer me that. I deserve better. I am the No. 1 contender. I am not saying they should give me the title shot – just give me a contender fight. If they offered me a top-five opponent, OK – somebody on a winning streak, at least. The one they offered me is on a losing streak. They could have given me (Dan) Hooker. The guy has won a few fights in a row.”
Tsarukyan’s words reflect his commitment to facing elite competition.
Tsarukyan’s decision follows his rise to No. 1 contender status after defeating Oliveira, earning a planned title rematch with Makhachev, whom he lost to in 2019. A back injury before UFC 311 forced his withdrawal, and UFC CEO Dana White ruled out an immediate title shot upon his return. Tsarukyan competed at Karate Combat 54 on May 2, 2025, winning a grappling match against Makasharip Zaynukov and calling out Makhachev. His refusal of the Gamrot bout underscores his focus on securing a high-stakes matchup.
Gamrot is set to face L’udovit Klein on May 31, 2025.
