“Ahalkalakets” may be back in the Octagon sooner rather than later.
No. 2-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight contender and almost title challenger Arman Tsarukyan smoked former UFC fighter Muhammad Mokaev at Hype Brazil yesterday (Wed., March 11, 2026), choking him unconscious inside Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (watch highlights).
After the victory, Tsarukyan grabbed the microphone and called for a grappling match against former opponent and current BMF titleholder
Charles Oliveira — adding yet another side quest to his busy schedule.
Tsarukyan has been eager to return to the Octagon, but UFC CEO Dana White recently admitted he is “still not thrilled” with the 29-year-old contender, leaving Tsarukyan seemingly stuck in something of a UFC purgatory.
However, while White may not be enthusiastic about the Armenian contender at the moment, Tsarukyan revealed that he’s already secured a potential return date — and it came from UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell.
“I don’t know why Dana speaks ill of me, but I have no problem with them or any behind-the-scenes issues,” Tsarukyan said following his win at Hype Brazil. “There is no point in addressing him because I don’t negotiate with him. I’m in talks with Hunter because he’s in charge of matchmaking. Dana probably just approves everything related to fights. The actual matchmakers are Sean Shelby and Hunter, so I’ve got nothing to say to Dana.”
“I need to ask Hunter for a fight, and we talked this morning, and he gave me a date for my next fight,” Tsarukyan added.
With reigning Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria booked to defend his belt against Justin Gaethje at the upcoming UFC White House card, Tsarukyan’s options near the top of the division appear limited if he hopes to stay active without fighting far down the rankings.
Potential matchups could include a rematch with Oliveira, a heated showdown with Paddy Pimblett, or a clash with Benoit Saint Denis.
Time will tell which direction he chooses.
Tsarukyan hasn’t competed in the Octagon since demolishing Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar (watch highlights). However, he has remained extremely active outside the promotion, competing in everything from Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling to multiple high-profile grappling matches.
He is also scheduled to compete in another wrestling bout later this month — a rematch against heated rival Georgio Poullas.
