UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended and fined for punching a fan during his walkout at UFC 300 in April. Despite the suspension, Tsarukyan is still eligible to fight for a UFC title later this year.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed Tsarukyan (22-3) a nine-month suspension for the incident, but it will be reduced to six months if he participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement. This means Tsarukyan could be back in the octagon by October 12. Tsarukyan, who recently defeated Charles Oliveira in a No. 1 contender match at UFC 300, is expected to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in late October in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Tsarukyan was fined $25,000.
“Arman appreciates the NSAC’s handling of this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and NSAC on an anti-bullying PSA to reduce his suspension and compete for a UFC lightweight title before the end of the year,” said Tsarukyan’s manager, Daniel Rubenstein, in a statement.
The incident occurred when a fan made an obscene gesture at Tsarukyan, prompting him to throw a punch, which was captured live on the UFC broadcast. Tsarukyan, 27, won the fight against Oliveira by split decision and has not faced any legal repercussions for the altercation.
