Arman Tsarukyan teases date, potential title fight for UFC return

Arman Tsarukyan is eyeing a potential title opportunity upon his return to the UFC, with a rematch against Charles Oliveira emerging as a possibility. The lightweight contender hinted at his timeline during a recent video blog, suggesting he could be ready for a September bout in California.

Tsarukyan's path to gold would hinge on developments at UFC White House on June 14, where current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is scheduled to defend against Justin Gaethje. If Topuria prevails and moves to welterweight as speculated, the 155-pound title would become vacant—potentially opening the door for Tsarukyan and Oliveira to compete for the belt in a rematch. The two previously clashed at UFC 300, where Tsarukyan secured victory via split decision in a No. 1 contender's bout.

The American Top Team fighter has been sidelined from UFC competition since November, when he submitted Dan Hooker in the main event of UFC Qatar. His absence from a scheduled title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 damaged his standing with the promotion after a late withdrawal. However, Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC, compiling a perfect 5-0 record under the Real American Freestyle banner in 2025. He has also agreed to serve as backup for the White House main event while maintaining a separate schedule of RAF bouts.