Arman Tsarukyan has a theory about what the UFC actually values in 2026, and he believes his own non-stop activity outside the cage is proof the promotion has embraced it.
Speaking to Patrick Bet-David, Tsarukyan argued that drama and viral moments have become more important to the sport’s growth than the fights themselves. He cited the most significant period in UFC history as evidence.
“It’s good for the UFC. You think they didn’t like it? They liked it. The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting. Like Conor, Khabib, Diaz — the trash talk, everything.
Not just fighting, but what’s going on before the fight. The bus thing went viral too. Because of that, that fight was the biggest fight in the UFC. If it wasn’t for the conflict before that, yeah, Conor-Khabib, they talk s— in the press conference, they fight, it’s gone.”
Tsarukyan last competed in October when he submitted Dan Hooker. His most recent significant win before that came in 2024 when he defeated Charles Oliveira by decision.
He does not currently have a fight booked but is widely expected to challenge the winner of the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. He has also offered to serve as backup for that matchup.