LAS VEGAS — Arman Tsarukyan says he has been assured his next outing will be for the UFC lightweight title, with the fight targeted for the beginning of next year. The contender confirmed he has been told the title shot is next, putting him in line to challenge lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in early 2027.
Tsarukyan was due to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 last year but was pulled from the event just the day before due to health issues. He has since worked his way back into contention, most recently knocking out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September, a result that appeared to solidify his status as the next challenger. Questions have lingered, however, with Gaethje considering retirement and rumours of an immediate rematch between Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. Speaking with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck before his matchup with Dillon Danis at RAF 14, Tsarukyan said his position is now clear: “If they wouldn’t give me a title at 155, I would go down [to 145 pounds], but as I heard, I’m going to fight for the title next,” Tsarukyan said. “So I’m going to be in my division and stay there. I don’t want to move anywhere, because I feel like lightweight is the perfect weight class for me. I want to be the best ever lightweight fighter, and break all records there.”
The man known as “Batman” added he has been told the fight will take place at the “beginning of next year,” though he was not given anything more specific than that. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak in the UFC, Tsarukyan said the division remains stacked: “And we have so many big names, and we have a lot of contenders, so it’s going to be fun.” On what winning the belt would mean, he added: “It’s gonna mean a lot for me. Right now I’m thinking that this is everything that I want right now. But I know when I get that belt, I want to defend as much as possible. So when I get the belt, first day I’m gonna be so happy, but second day is going to the same, and I want to fight as much as possible.”
Tsarukyan has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC through his activity outside the promotion, competing frequently for Real American Freestyle and embracing life as a streamer. For now, though, his focus remains on building a legacy inside the octagon, where he hopes to be more active once he secures the lightweight crown.