Arman Tsarukyan Docked $30k From His Fight Purse After Attempting to Punch a Fan at UFC 300

The NSAC is withholding 20% of Tsarukyan's fight purse until a full disciplinary hearing his conducted in May

Arman Tsarukyan
Courtesy of @UFCNews on X

Arman Tsarukyan could be in some hot water after taking a swing at a fan.

‘Ahalkalakets’ returned to the Octagon on April 13 for a high-stakes scrap with former lightweight world champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. As Tsarukyan was making his way to the cage for the main card clash, he attempted to attack a fan seated near the entryway, throwing a punch before being pulled away by one of the security team members. 

“He showed me ‘F*ck you’ and he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back,” Tsarukyan explained at the post-fight press conference. “That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘F*ck you.’ It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.”

Tsarukyan is now facing disciplinary action as a result. According to a report from Nolan King of MMA Junkie, the Nevada State Athletic Commission voted to withhold 20% of Tsarukyan’s $158,000 fight purse, which amounts to $31,600. 

A full disciplinary hearing will be held in May to determine what consequences, if any, Tsarukyan will face.

The fan, identified as Obed Ardon, issued a formal apology to Tsarukyan during an interview with Bloody Elbow.

“I’d like to apologize to Arman for provoking him by flipping him off. I was buzzing all day and the moment got to me,” he said. 

“It was my first time attending a live UFC event, and it was absolutely incredible. I’m glad the incident wasn’t as bad as it could have been. I do want to make clear that I didn’t pull him towards me, yell out offensive words or anything of that nature. I flipped him off nothing else. Congrats to Arman on a great performance and best of luck to him against whoever he fights for the title.”

Ardon also made it clear that he has no intention of pressing charges against Tsarukyan or seeking legal action against the promotion. 

Arman Tsarukyan Isn’t the Only Fighter Facing Disciplinary Action from the NSAC Following UFC 300

Tsarukyan isn’t the only fighter facing a slap on the wrist from the NSAC following the promotion’s landmark event in Las Vegas.

Immediately following his first-round knockout of Sodiq Yusuff during the preliminary portion of the card, Diego Lopes lept over the cage wall after being specifically told not to. $5,000 of his $100,000 fight purse is now being withheld ahead of his own hearing with the commission. 

According to NSAC executive director Jeff Mullin, Lopes received permission from UFC CEO Dana White to hop the fence following his highlight-reel finish, adding that White stated he would pay the fine on Lopes’ behalf. 

Published on April 30, 2024 at 4:33 pm
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