UFC 300 was arguably the biggest card the fight promotion has ever produced. Every fight on the early prelims and the prelims could have easily been on the main card. The event was stacked with Jamahal Hill vs. Alex Pereira, Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan. Unfortunately, Tsarukyan is now surrounded by controversy after receiving a hefty fine and suspension for throwing a punch at a fan.
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Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended nine months (retroactive) and fined $25,000 (+$471.12 in fees) by the NSAC for his #UFC300 altercation with a fan. His suspension can be reduced to six months if he produces a video for an anti-bullying campaign. pic.twitter.com/JgX34GHhJL
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) June 25, 2024
MMA Junkie reporter Nolan King reported on the punishment Tsarukyan is set to receive, which includes a retroactive ban of nine months and a $25,000 fine from the NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission).
According to King, “Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended nine months (retroactive) and fined $25,000 (+$471.12 in fees) by the NSAC for his #UFC300 altercation with a fan. His suspension can be reduced to six months if he produces a video for an anti-bullying campaign.”
Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Tsarukyan can lower his nine-month ban to six months if he produces a video on anti-bullying. There are no details about what occurred between him and the fan in question, but more videos feature better looks at the punch that was thrown.
Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended 9 months for punching a fan at #UFC300 during his walkout.
On top of it he will be fined $25k.
If he does an anti-bullying PSA video his suspension will be reduced to 6 months.
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 25, 2024
Spinning Backfist showcases another angle taken from a fan video that appears to show Tsarukyan lunging at a fan in the crowd and firing off a punch.
There are no details about what was said between Tsarukyan and the fan that he threw a punch, but no UFC fighter should be engaging with fans in this manner. It is a bit shocking that the suspension wasn’t for longer, but it appears the NSAC is providing leniency on this matter.
This is not a good look for Tsarukyan, who picked up a huge win against former lightweight champion Oliveira. This is Tsarukyan’s fourth win in a row, as he beat Damir Ismagulov, Joaquim Silva, and Beneil Daruish.
Tsarukyan is currently the No. 1 contender in UFC’s lightweight division and is being pegged as next in line to challenge Islam Makachev for the belt. However, a nine-month suspension could force him to be passed over.
Tsarukyan would be smart to create this anti-bullying video so his suspension can be reduced to six months, ensuring he can still fight Makachev for the lightweight title in Abu Dhabi in October.
The NSAC does not take these matters lightly as well. As the commission stated, “Commission notes the incident could have been catastrophic for everyone involved … this is a one-time offer. Repeat actions will be dealt with much more severely.”
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.