"You're suspended bro" - Fans react to Arman Tsarukyan's sudden declaration for lightweight title contender spot

Fans were critical of Arman Tsarukyan declaring himself as the next challenger to Islam Makhachev's UFC lightweight title despite being suspended from competition. Tsarukyan gave Makhachev one of the toughest fights of his career in a short-notice UFC debut in 2019. Although he lost by unanimous decision, the 27-year-old set himself on a collision course with the Dagestani fighter.

Makhachev became the UFC lightweight champion in the following years and Tsarukyan earned a rematch by defeating former champion Charles Oliveira in a title eliminator bout at UFC 300. However, he received a nine-month suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission for throwing a punch at a fan, who was trying to grab the fighter during his walkout. If Tsarukyan participates in an anti-bullying public service announcement, the suspension can be reduced to six months.

While his suspension will not be over anytime soon, Tsarukyan took to X recently and reasserted that he will fight for the lightweight title next:

"I’m the one fighting for the title next. The rest of you can take a seat #AndNew"

Fans took to the comments section of the post and criticized Tsarukyan, particularly for his suspension and a razor-thin decision win over Oliveira.

"You’re suspended bro," @CorySanMMA commented.

"U ain’t doing a thing till you drop that anti bully vid," @notxgroovy commented.

"How about you take a seat. You won’t win anything," @esylacSinohtnA commented.

"Charles had your number and you’re not even eligible," @korkmaz_121 commented.

"You barely beat @CharlesDoBronxs, should’ve been submitted in round 1. You’re not even top 5 lightweights," @kingofsteals commented.

Some fans praised the matchup between Tsarukyan and Makhachev and seemed intrigued about his chances in the rematch:

"Name a better rematch rn………. I'll wait," @JK_ATF commented.

"We will humble Islam soon brudda , let us be patient," @n1troz_ commented.

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Charles Oliveira's coach thinks 'Do Bronx' should fight for the lightweight title amid Arman Tsarukyan's suspension

While Arman Tsarukyan re-asserted his claim to the lightweight title shot in the X post, former champion Charles Oliveira's coach Diego Lima recently said that 'Do Bronx' should fight for the title under current circumstances:

"Both Charles and I want the belt. Now with Arman suspended, there would be no other name than Charles Oliveira. Charles is second in the rankings. And if you look at the rankings, there is no one to fight with Makhachev."

Check out Diego Lima's comments below:

Lima also drew attention to the current situation at the top of the lightweight division. Ranked at No.2, Oliveira is the only fighter available to fight for the title. While No.3-ranked Justin Gaethje was recently knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300, No.4-ranked Dustin Poirier challenged Makhachev for the title at UFC 302.