Arman Tsarukyan’s situation continues to deteriorate after already being stripped of his number one contender status in the lightweight division.
The Armenian’s last appearance in the UFC came back in November, when he submitted Dan Hooker in the second round of their main event at UFC Qatar.
Since then, ‘Ahalkalakets’ has taken fights outside the organisation to stay active while waiting for another title opportunity.
However, Tsarukyan is again in Dana White’s bad books. At the UFC 326 post-fight press conference last Saturday, the 56-year-old said he ‘is not thrilled’ with Tsarukyan’s recent antics.
Charles Oliveira bumps Arman Tsarukyan out of pound-for-pound rankings
Charles Oliveira has taken the BMF title from Max Holloway, defeating him by unanimous decision in the UFC 326 main event to extend his winning streak to two fights.
With that victory, ‘Do Bronx’ climbed back into the pound-for-pound rankings, slotting in at number 12.
Oliveira’s return saw ‘Ahalkalakets’ drop out of the top 15, even though he had defeated the Brazilian star at UFC 300.
‘Blessed’ Holloway also slipped in the rankings, falling from tenth to 15th place.
The lightweight division’s top five stayed the same, but Dan Hooker moved up one spot within the top 10.
There were other shifts across the board as well. Tom Aspinall climbed another spot in the pound-for-pound list, while Joshua Van and Dricus Du Plessis also each moved up a place.
For Tsarukyan, it is another setback at a time when he can hardly afford more. His relationship with UFC management is already strained, and these ranking changes will not help his case for another shot at championship contention anytime soon.
Arman Tsarukyan set for Hype FC main event in Brazil
Despite falling out of favour with the UFC, Tsarukyan has not slowed down. He continues to stay active and is now set for another bout outside the organisation.
This Wednesday, he will headline Hype FC’s grappling event in Brazil, facing former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev.
Soon after, Tsarukyan will meet Georgio Poullas again at RAF 7. It is a match-up that comes with extra attention following their previous encounters.
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