Arman Tsarukyan discusses potential title fight with Dan Hooker

Arman Tsarukyan recently gave his take on a potential fight with Dan Hooker. If Tsarukyan's lightweight title match against Islam Makhachev is not scheduled by the end of this year, he has requested that UFC authorities schedule an interim title matchup against Hooker.

In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Tsarukyan was asked if he would consider accepting an interim title fight if Makhachev is unavailable for a fight in December. The 27-year-old replied that the UFC might decide to arrange an interim lightweight title match between him and Hooker if the reigning champion was sidelined until the spring of 2025, saying:

''If Islam does not work out, they can also put Hooker for a temporary belt, but so far I am focused on Islam. When there is already an understanding that Islam will not fight, then I will already switch to another. Until I look at those below me – I come first and look at the one above.''

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments below:

This came after Hooker's call out of Tsarukyan in an interview with Submission Radio. The Kiwi disclosed that he put himself up for a fight with Tsarukyan in a backstage conversation with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, saying:

''I was there talking to Hunter, he was like ‘who do you want next?’. I said I want to smash Arman’s (Tsarukyan) face in. I was like I will smash Arman for free.''

Check out Dan Hooker's comments below (12:10):

Tsarukyan responded to Hooker's callout by saying:

''They know how to speak only on camera, and when they see live, they start hiding so that they don’t see. Of course, the same Charles Oliveira is a more dangerous opponent than Dan Hooker. Oliveira is a different level fighter, and Dan Hooker is Dan Hooker.'' [H/t: Fight Time]

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Arman Tsarukyan won't release an anti-bullying PSA video

In his last octagon outing at UFC 300, Arman Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira via split decision and became the No. 1 contender for the lightweight title. However, Tsarukyan found himself in trouble after allegedly striking a fan on his way to the octagon. The Nevada State Athletic Commission fined the 27-year-old $25,000 and suspended him for nine months.

If Tsarukyan completes an anti-bullying public service message, his suspension can be lowered to six months. However, Championship Rounds recently took to X and shared that 'Akhalkalakets' won't be releasing such a video.