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Arman Tsarukyan has been handed a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) following an altercation with a fan at UFC 300. The suspension, which could potentially be reduced to six months, also includes a $25,000 fine and $471.12 in prosecution fees.
The incident occurred in April as Tsarukyan was making his way to the cage for his fight against Charles Oliveira. A fan reportedly made offensive gestures and words towards Tsarukyan, which led to a physical confrontation.
“He showed me ‘F*ck you’ and he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back,” Tsarukyan explained after the event. “That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘F*ck you.’ It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.”
Due to the incident, Tsarukyan's purse was initially withheld. However, once the fine is deducted, the remaining amount will be released to him as per the agreement with the commission.
The suspension means that Tsarukyan will be out of action until January 12, 2025, unless he completes an approved anti-bullying public service announcement (PSA). If completed, his suspension could be reduced to six months, allowing him to potentially compete in a UFC event in Abu Dhabi scheduled for October 26. This is particularly significant as Tsarukyan has been rumored for a lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev at that event.
Tsarukyan’s manager, Daniel Rubenstein, confirmed that Tsarukyan plans to complete the PSA, with hopes of returning to the octagon before the end of the year.
“Arman appreciates the NSAC’s dealings in this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and NSAC to produce an anti-bullying PSA to reduce his suspension and competing for a UFC lightweight title before the end of the year,” Rubenstein stated.
The NSAC’s decision was unanimous, with chairman Dallas Haun issuing a stern warning that Tsarukyan’s adjudication agreement is a “one-time offer” and that any future altercations with fans will be met with harsher penalties.
This ruling emphasizes the NSAC's commitment to maintaining professional conduct among fighters, while also providing a pathway for Tsarukyan to potentially shorten his suspension and return to competition sooner.
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