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, currently ranked as the number 1 contender in the 155-pound division, saw the UFC opt to schedule an interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, who hold the number 4 and 5 spots respectively. This fight will be the main event of UFC 324 on January 24 in Las Vegas. The creation of this interim title is due to the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, announcing that he would take some time off to attend to personal matters.
Holloway 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, from Armenia, believes that the UFC is doing everything possible to promote and accelerate Pimblett’s rise, and hopes that Gaethje will put an end to this in January. He even offered to help Gaethje train for the matchup.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 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 to get another shot at the belt. Despite this, the 29-year-old fighter is very confident that he will eventually win the belt and face Topuria, if the latter doesn’t retire beforehand.Justin, if you need help, let me know and I will fly to you. I want him to beat that guy. I hate him. He’s an idiot. 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
That fight with Topuria is definitely going to happen. Everyone is saying, ‘Arman, Arman, Arman’. Everyone knows it’s nonsense. The next champion is here.
Arman Tsarukyan
