Arman Tsarukyan has been issued a nine-month ban after hitting a fan at UFC 300.
The no.1 ranked lightweight was slammed with the suspension after he threw a punch at a rowdy fan during his January ring walk.
Security was able to halt the situation before it escalated, which began when the fan seemingly grabbed the Armenian fighter on his way to the Octagon.
Consequently, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) struck him with a nine-month ban as well as a $25,000 fine – adding insult to injury
Currently the ban is set to expire to January of 2025. However the commission has said he can reduce this by recording an anti-bullying message for them. According to the commission, similar situations in the future will punished far more harshly. “This is a one-time offer,” they stated. “Repeat actions will be dealt with much more severely.”
The fan who grabbed Arman Tsarukyan holds no ill will towards the lightweight. In an interview with Bloody Elbow, he confessed to being intoxicated at the time – apologising for his actions.
Arman Tsarukyan and Current Lightweight Landscape
The suspension muddies the lightweight title picture for the time being. Arman Tsarukyan was poised to take on Islam Makhachev next. After earning a decision victory over Charles Oliveira in at UFC 300.
Yesterday’s suspension means that Makhachev will either have to find a new opponent or wait until the ban ends.
In theory, the UFC also have the option to book the fight abroad, potentially in the Middle East. Although this is unlikely, due to the strain it would put on the UFC’s relationship with U.S commissions.
Depending on whether he decides to NSAC up on their offer, he still has a small chance to secure the Makhachev fight before the year ends.
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
