Arman Tsarukyan Suspended for Punching Fan at UFC 300
Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for hitting a fan during his walk to the Octagon this past April at the T-Mobile Arena at UFC 300. Tsarukyan was also fined $25,000 for his actions.
Arman Tsarukyan punched a fan during his walkout to fight Charles Oliveira 😅 pic.twitter.com/DMoX27o8H1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) April 14, 2024
In a UFC 300 lightweight bout with strong title implications, Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision. That victory propelled Tsarukyan (22-3) one step closer to a title bout against reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Tsarukyan’s suspension can be reduced to six months if he meets the guidelines set in an anti-bullying campaign video. The suspension is retroactive, so a six-month timeline takes him to October 12–and a nine-month suspension would extend to January 12.
The suspension, which is expected to be upheld by other athletic commissions, could derail Tsarukyan’s title shot, which felt like a certainty. Depending on when Makhachev makes his next title defense, another contender could jump him in line for a shot at the belt.
JUSTIN BARRASSO
Justin Barrasso has been writing for Sports Illustrated since 2014. While his primary focus is pro wrestling and MMA, he has also covered MLB, NBA, and the NFL. He can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com and followed on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.