"We as a community are missing out on a great meme" - Fans react after Arman Tsarukyan says he will not be releasing an anti-bullying PSA video

Arman Tsarukyan was able to defeat Charles Oliveira via split decision at UFC 300 to establish himself as the top contender in the lightweight division. The event was not without controversy, however, as 'Akhalkalakets' appeared to strike a fan on his way to the octagon. The No.1-ranked lightweight received a $25,000 fine and a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

While he is not eligible to return until January 2025, that suspension could be reduced to six months if he completes an anti-bullying public service announcement. Championship Rounds recently shared comments from Tsarukyan suggesting that he will not release any such video, tweeting:

"🚨 Arman Tsarukyan says he will no longer be releasing an anti-bullying PSA video: "If my fight is scheduled for December, there’s no point." (via. Ushatayka) #UFC #MMA"

Check out the tweet from Championship Rounds below:

Fans shared their reactions to the news. @What_a_Bets believes the mixed martial arts community is being robbed of a great meme:

"We as a community are missing out on a great meme"

@SlipsterOG claimed they would rather watch the anti-bullying video than watch Tsarukyan in the Octagon:

"I would have rather got the anti-bully video than watch him fight again. We would have got way more content out of it. 😂"

@mmafilmroom suggested that his reaction to the fan was the true anti-bullying video:

"Lmao arman going at an a**hole flipping him off was an anti bullying psa"

@TheCSMatrixer labeled the punishment as unnecessary:

"Why does the commission think a PSA is a good punishment for what he did? I believe he was also fined & he’s probably already paid that. Being fined even if the amount was low is enough, the PSA is just a waste of time. No bully is going to watch an Arman PSA & stop bullying 🤦‍♂️"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

Arman Tsarukyan shares update on return to the octagon

Arman Tsarukyan appears to be the next contender in line to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. The No.1-ranked lightweight shared a potential timeline for his return to the octagon, hinting at an interim title bout if the champion does not recover from a lingering hand injury. Speaking to Russian media outlet Ushatayka, 'Akhalkalakets' stated:

"The fight had to happen in October, but it was rescheduled. Now, we have talks about December... [Fighting for the interim title] depends on when he can return. If he can't compete by spring, I think [the UFC] will make a fight for an interim title."

Check out Arman Tsarukyan's comments on his return to the octagon below:

Tsarukyan previously faced Makhachev in his UFC debut back in April 2019. He was just 22 years old and took the bout on short notice. Despite losing the UFC Fight Night 149 clash via unanimous decision, he impressed to the point that fans have clamored for a rematch ever since.