Unexpected circumstances in UFC often influence the trajectory of a fighter’s career. No one understands this better than Arman Tsarukyan, who has recently encountered such a situation. Until a few months ago, Tsarukyan was positioned as the top challenger for the coveted lightweight championship title. However, the path took an unexpected turn when he had to retract from his bout due to concerns about an injury.
The withdrawal, taking place only days before the scheduled fight, caused a ripple in the UFC community. The reaction from the UFC, especially from Dana White, was intense. Following Tsarukyan’s decision to withdraw, White declared that the Armenian fighter would now need to reconstruct his career from the ground up.
Despite the setback, all might not be lost for Tsarukyan, as a possible shot at the title seems to be emerging for him. In a recent announcement, the Armenian pugilist confirmed his presence at UFC 317, but his role would be different this time. Instead of being a main contender in the ring, he was chosen as a backup for the championship match between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria.
Although being a backup means there’s a sliver of hope for Tsarukyan to compete, the current situation doesn’t imply any major concern related to injuries from either original fighter. However, this new role indicates that the UFC still considers him as a potential aspirant for the championship title.
Tsarukyan has grappled with a change of course in his UFC journey, but the fighter appears determined to realign his path. Facing hardship can bring out a new level of sincerity and Tsarukyan proved it by opening up about his circumstances. He confirmed that his injury wasn’t fabricated but was misunderstood, creating obstacles in his climb towards the lightweight championship.
The adversity has not deterred Tsarukyan. Instead, he is committed and prepared to meet any task the UFC throws his way. Tsarukyan expressed, ‘Navigating my way back to where I belong is now more important, hence, I’m set to follow the UFC’s directives.’ Evidently, the fighter seems more focused than ever to reclaim his position as a top contender.
Tsarukyan also conveyed his readiness to step up as a replacement for the significant lightweight match ups that are on the horizon: Ilia Topuria versus Charles Oliveira and the much-anticipated showdown between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, which will mark the end of Poirier’s career.
The fighter from Armenia expressed, ‘My situation requires me to seize every opportunity that comes my way. The injury I suffered was authentic and its implications have been misconstrued.’ This points towards his determination to overcome the setback caused by the unfortunate injury misinterpretation.
The future now appears to hold a degree of uncertainty and complexity when it comes to Tsarukyan’s position within the UFC. What lies ahead is contingent upon a multitude of factors, some within and some beyond his control. But one thing is certain, Tsarukyan is preparing to face any situation and fight his way back to the top.
The post Tsarukyan: A Fall from Grace and a Potential Return to UFC appeared first on Real News Now.
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