In a surprising turn in the UFC lightweight division, top contender Arman Tsarukyan has publicly expressed regret over actions that played a part in him being passed over for a title shot.
The absence of “Ahalkalakets” from a major championship bout has been a prominent topic among fight fans and analysts.
Still, now Tsarukyan has addressed the controversy directly, sending a sincere message to UFC President Dana White.
A Title Shot That Never Came
Tsarukyan has been one of the most consistent fighters in the UFC lightweight division for years, holding the No. 1 contender spot and stringing together an impressive winning run.
Yet despite his credentials, he watched from the sidelines as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett received the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324.
Fans and commentators alike were puzzled, given Tsarukyan’s dominant performances and high ranking.
The decision to give his spot to others triggered heated discussion, with many believing that merit should have taken precedence.
The Headbutt Incident That Changed Everything
One major issue that arose during Tsarukyan’s title push was an unsportsmanlike act at a ceremonial weigh-in. He headbutted his opponent, Dan Hooker, an incident that drew eyes from the UFC brass.
Dana White later acknowledged that the altercation was one of several factors that influenced Tsarukyan’s omission from title contention.
Rather than hiding from the fallout, Tsarukyan has confronted it head-on. In a recent appearance on Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel, the Armenian fighter openly apologised to both Dana White and Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s chief business officer, for his behaviour.
“I’m a good boy. I’m not going to hit anybody anymore,” he said half-jokingly but with a serious undertone, acknowledging that his passion in the cage can sometimes spill over.
The apology was both a plea for forgiveness and a request to be reconsidered for a title opportunity.
Accountability and Understanding
What sets Tsarukyan’s apology apart is the level of accountability he showed. Instead of deflecting blame or making excuses, he admitted that his actions had consequences.
“During camp, it can happen, anything can happen,” he explained, highlighting how heated and unpredictable fight preparation can become.
Tsarukyan’s candour is rare in a sport where personalities are often heavily managed and PR-driven.
His willingness to take responsibility, even with a touch of levity in his phrasing, reveals a fighter who genuinely wants to move past the moment and return to elite competition.
However, his comment about reacting if someone tried to slap him underlines the fine line he walks between controlled ferocity and overstepping acceptable boundaries, a balance fighters are expected to maintain.
Dana White’s View on the Situation
UFC President Dana White has repeatedly said that Tsarukyan is deserving of respect as one of the top fighters in the division, but behaviour outside the cage has influenced matchmaking decisions.
In interviews, White mentioned that a combination of events, not just the headbutt, played into the choice to bypass Tsarukyan for the UFC 324 interim title fight.
White stated that while rankings matter, the promotion also considers a fighter’s reliability and conduct when determining who gets high-profile opportunities.
This stance has fueled debate among fans, who often prioritise merit and win streaks above all else.
Predictions and Precision
Ironically, Tsarukyan accurately predicted the outcome of the UFC 324 main event that excluded him.
He forecasted that Gaethje would defeat Pimblett, citing his belief that the former interim title challenger’s technical prowess and strategy would prevail.
His precise prediction served as a reminder of his deep understanding of the sport and the division.
Reaction From the MMA Community
Tsarukyan’s apology and the circumstances that led to his snub have sparked strong reactions within the MMA world. Many fans and fighters voiced support for him, arguing he deserves another chance at the title.
Critics of the UFC’s decision contend that merit should be rewarded regardless of off-cage incidents.
Even notable MMA veterans have weighed in, calling on the promotion to reconsider its stance and reward consistent performance inside the Octagon.
While the UFC has stuck to its decision, debate continues over the criteria used to select title contenders.
What’s Next for Arman Tsarukyan?
After making his apology and laying bare the reasons behind his absence from the title picture, Tsarukyan now faces the task of rebuilding his standing with the UFC leadership.
Whether he earns another title shot soon depends largely on his behaviour and results in his upcoming fights.
For a fighter of his calibre, staying active and focused will be crucial. The lightweight division remains stacked with talent, and opportunities can shift quickly as champions and contenders move in and out due to injuries and scheduling.
One thing is clear: Tsarukyan’s apology has put his intentions on record and given the UFC brass a public display of accountability.
Only time will tell whether this act of contrition will bring him back into title contention.