Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Charles Oliveira (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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“I Should Be Fighting a Top-5 Opponent Next”- Arman Tsarukyan on Feeling Disrespected by the UFC.

Learn All About Why Arman Tsarukyan Felt Disrespected By The UFC.

It seems that all is not well between Arman Tsarukyan and the UFC. Arman “Ahalkalakets” Tasarukyan presently reigns as the #1 MMA Fighter on the UFC Lightweight division.

More recently, Arman Tsarukyan revealed that the UFC disrespects him. This is due to the opponent they offered to him for his next fight fight in Abu Dhabi. However, why does Arman Tsarukyan feel disrespected and who did the UFC offer to him as his next opponent?

Arman Tsarukyan Does Not Want To Fight an Opponent Below Him in Rankings

Arman Tsarukyan more recently had an interview with Red Corner MMA where he discussed about these events. He revealed that the UFC had offered him Mateusz Gamrot as his next opponent for Abu Dhabi (via Verdict MMA on Instagram)-

“The UFC offered me a main event in Abu Dhabi in July against Gamrot. But I turned It down. I should be fighting a top-5 opponent next.”

A major reason behind Arman Tsarukyan rejecting his fight against Mateusz Gamrot is because of the rankings. Arman Tsarukyan is #1 and Mateusz Gamrot is #7 presently in the UFC Lightweight division. Notably, both Tsarukyan and Gamrot had fought each other in 2022, in which Tsarukyan lost.

Arman Tsarukyan still does not want to fight against Mateusz Gamrot again due to the rankings. Hence, he does not see any reason to fight him (via Red Corner MMA on X)-

Arman Tsarukyan says the UFC matchmakers offered him a main event fight on the Abu Dhabi card in July, but he turned it down as he wasn’t happy with the opponent, the number 7 ranked Mateusz Gamrot. pic.twitter.com/kNHnClGOjf
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 3, 2025

Arman Tsarukyan has chosen either a top-5 or top-6 opponent as his next opponent. This will help to make sure that he fights for the title the next time. He has also described him to be the #1 contender. Despite this, the UFC’s choice for his next opponent had led to him feel disrespected by the company.

Arman Tsarukyan Would Rather Fight Dan Hooker Instead of Mateusz Gamrot

Arman Tsarukyan is much more interested in fighting Dan Hooker rather than Mateusz Gamrot as per Verdict MMA on Instagram. He stated –

“I’m not asking for a title shot, but I’m still the number one contender. I deserve to be in a contender fight. Why not Dan Hooker? Not the guy who just lost to him.”

Notably, Dan Hooker is presently #6 in the UFC Lightweight division. Moreover, he also defeated Mateusz Gamrot in his last fight on August 17, 2024. Moreover, Dan Hooker is also enjoying a three-fight winning streak presently. Hence, Arman Tsukaryan considers him to be a worthy opponent for him based on his choice for the top-5 or top-6 fighters in the UFC Lightweight Division.

The UFC fans will just have to wait and watch if the company will change Arman Tsarukyan’s opponent for Abu Dhabi, based on his demands. Or whether this drama is set to continue between the two.

Arman Tsarukyan

Dan Hooker

Mateusz Gamrot

MMA

UFC

Arka Mukherjee

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mma

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I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.