Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arman Tsarukyan Eyes Return With UFC Lightweight Contenders – Confirms Talks With Dana White, Reveals His Preferred Opponent

Arman Tsarukyan sets sights on an October or November UFC return.

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arman Tsarukyan may finally be back in the Octagon this fall. After months of uncertainty in the lightweight division, “Ahalkalakets” revealed that he could return as early as UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25 or at UFC Qatar on November 22. In a recent conversation with Dana White, Tsarukyan was told the promotion may line up one of three names for him: Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, or Paddy Pimblett, with the latter being his clear preference.

🚨 Arman Tsarukyan wants to fight in October or November, and prefers Paddy Pimblett as his next opponent 👀

“I talked to the boss yesterday. They said maybe they’ll set up a fight with someone… in Abu Dhabi or in Qatar.

Maybe Gaethje, maybe Hooker, maybe Paddy. [I prefer]… pic.twitter.com/f9WA0XX9sx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 19, 2025

Tsarukyan’s Fall Plans Take Shape

Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since April 2024 and appears restless. Speaking with Adam Zubayraev, he made it clear that he doesn’t want to wait around for lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who plans to defend early next year.

“[Topuria] wants to come back in January or February. And I haven’t fought in a long time,” Tsarukyan said. “So I think I’ll need to fight in October or November. And I talked to the boss yesterday. They said maybe they will set up a fight with someone. In Abu Dhabi or in Qatar… Maybe Gaethje, maybe Hooker, maybe Paddy… [most preferably] Paddy.”

😅💥 Arman Tsarukyan says before the 4th round Khamzat asked if he can box with Du Plessis, but Arman told him to stick to the gameplan:

"Everything is working for you. No need to invent anything. Our goal is to win the title."

🎥 @AdamZubayraev pic.twitter.com/Wn7eUlZXk2
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) August 19, 2025

The tension between Tsarukyan and Topuria has been simmering since January, when Tsarukyan was originally slated to fight Islam Makhachev for the title but was sidelined with injury. That opened the door for Topuria, who captured the lightweight crown by defeating Charles Oliveira after Makhachev withdrew. Watching cageside, Tsarukyan accused the Spaniard of dodging him. An accusation Topuria has shrugged off, even going as far as saying he would vacate the belt rather than fight Tsarukyan right now.

Still, the contenders Tsarukyan mentioned all carry intrigue. Pimblett, though dismissive in the past, calling Tsarukyan a “nobody,” would be a high-profile clash, especially given Tsarukyan’s desire to prove himself against “The Baddy.” Gaethje, however, has publicly said he might retire without a title shot, making his availability uncertain. That leaves Hooker, who has shown interest and admitted it would be a tough matchup, but one he’s willing to take.

Arman Tsarukyan is the Armenian Bruce Wayne.

Rich father with successful construction business, still decides to test himself in the hardest sport on the planet.

Lesson there. pic.twitter.com/hsPtPIlfFY
— Jack Krucial | Lethal Gentlemen's Club 🥷 (@JackKrucial) January 12, 2025

For Tsarukyan, the main objective is to stay active and maintain his position in the lightweight mix while Topuria waits until next year. Whether it ends up being Abu Dhabi or Qatar, Gaethje, Hooker, or Pimblett, “Ahalkalakets” sees his next fight as an important step toward keeping himself in the title conversation.

Mandatory Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arman Tsarukyan

Dana White

Ilia Topuria

Paddy Pimblett

Rudra Dubey

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mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.