According to UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, the promotion now values drama more than actual fighting.
Tsarukyan is one of the top contenders in his division at present. However, a title shot has so far eluded him.
That being said, he has been keeping very busy outside the cage, participating in a long list of wrestling and grappling matches, participating in dozens of major streams, and appearing at multiple public events. Throughout his busy schedule, drama has followed him everywhere.
No, not this Drama.
Just about everywhere he goes, Tsarukyan is producing viral moments, for better or worse. That is by design.
Speaking to Patrick Bet-David, Tsarukyan claimed that the UFC now values drama and viral moments more than actual fighting.
Tsarukyan: UFC cares more about drama than fighting
“It’s good for the UFC,” Tsarukyan said. “You think they didn’t like it? They liked it…
“The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting. Like Conor [McGregor], Khabib [Nurmagomedov], [Nate] Diaz… the trash talk, everything,” he added. “Not just fighting, but what’s going on before the fight. The [McGregor] bus thing went viral too. Because of that, that fight [with Nurmagomedov] was the biggest fight in the UFC.
“If it wasn’t for the conflict before that, yeah, Conor-Khabib, they talk s**t in the press conference, they fight, it’s gone.”
Tsarukyan last fought in October, when he effortlessly submitted Dan Hooker. Before that, his next win was way back in 2024, when he defeated former champ Charles Oliveira by decision. He does not currently have a fight booked, but is widely expected to fight the winner of the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje title fight at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. He has also offered to serve as the backup fighter for that matchup, should either man pull out.