Tsarukyan Calls for BMF Fight After UFC Title Snub: Is Holloway in Sight?

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has spoken out, requesting a BMF fight against Max Holloway, after the UFC’s decision to leave him out of the interim lightweight title fight next month. Tsarukyan, ranked number 1 in the 155-pound division, saw the UFC opt to schedule an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who are ranked number 4 and 5 respectively, as the main event of UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas. The creation of the interim belt occurred after the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, announced that he would take some time off to attend to personal matters.

It’s a business. At the end of the day, I have the same goal. Everyone knows I’m going to beat everyone and it’s just a matter of time. I hope they give me the BMF title at least. What are they going to give me? Who do we have in our division to fight if it’s not Holloway?

Arman TsarukyanHolloway is coming off a five-round decision victory against Dustin Poirier in July. For his part, he has expressed interest in a fight against former champion Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan, originally from Armenia, believes the UFC is doing everything it can to promote and fast-track Pimblett, and hopes Gaethje will put an end to that in January. He even offered to help Gaethje train for the matchup.

Justin, if you need help, let me know and I will fly to you. I want him to [beat] that kind of shit. I hate him. He’s a coward. I don’t want to be [at UFC 324] because I’m going to fight someone. If I see Patty, I’d like to slap him.

Arman Tsarukyan

According to UFC CEO Dana White, the winner of next month’s interim title fight is expected to face Topuria later in 2026, which means Tsarukyan might have to wait up to a year for his next title shot. Despite that, the 29-year-old fighter is very confident that he will eventually win the belt and face Topuria if the latter doesn’t retire first. That fight [Topuria] is definitely going to happen. Everyone says: ‘Arman, Arman, Arman’. Everyone knows he’s a piece of shit. The next champion is here.