Sun Jan 25 05:50:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Tsarukyan Claims UFC Shielding Saint Denis from Him, Questions His Top-Tier Status

The Story:
Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan believes the UFC is deliberately avoiding a matchup between him and Benoit Saint Denis, suggesting the promotion doesn’t want to “ruin” the rising French fighter’s career. Despite his own dominant win over Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 in November, Tsarukyan feels he’s being denied a title shot. He disparages Saint Denis’s past losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano, arguing that Saint Denis hasn’t defeated top-level competition and dismissing his recent victory over Beneil Dariush due to Dariush’s age.

Key Points:

  • Arman Tsarukyan believes the UFC is protecting Benoit Saint Denis from a potential fight with him.
  • Tsarukyan emphasizes his dominant win over Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265.
  • Tsarukyan criticizes Saint Denis’s losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano.
  • Tsarukyan dismisses Saint Denis’s win over Beneil Dariush, citing Dariush’s age.
  • Saint Denis is scheduled to fight Dan Hooker at UFC 325 on January 31 in Sydney.

Critical Analysis:

The historical context reveals a pattern of Tsarukyan expressing frustration with his position in the lightweight division. He’s publicly questioned interim title fights, insinuating they are a “joke,” and has felt overlooked for title opportunities. The mention of Justin Gaethje stating that Tsarukyan deserved a title shot, but is to blame, adds another layer. This series of events suggests Tsarukyan is attempting to leverage public opinion to pressure the UFC into granting him the fights he desires, including a title shot or a high-profile bout against Saint Denis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arman Tsarukyan is actively campaigning for a title shot or a significant fight to elevate his status in the lightweight division.
  • Tsarukyan is using public criticism to influence the UFC’s matchmaking decisions.
  • The UFC’s strategy appears to be focused on building other contenders, potentially delaying Tsarukyan’s path to the title.
  • Tsarukyan’s frustration highlights the competitive nature of the UFC lightweight division and the difficulty of securing title opportunities.
  • The media narrative around Tsarukyan focuses on his perceived lack of opportunity and his attempts to control his career trajectory.

Impact Analysis:

This situation could have several potential impacts. First, it could influence the UFC’s matchmaking decisions, potentially leading to a fight between Tsarukyan and Saint Denis, albeit perhaps on the former’s terms. Second, it could further solidify Tsarukyan’s image as a vocal and ambitious fighter, potentially increasing his marketability. Third, it highlights the ongoing power dynamics between fighters and the UFC, where fighters attempt to use public opinion and media attention to gain leverage. Lastly, depending on the outcome of Saint Denis’s bout against Hooker, this scenario could create either an immediate rise or fall for either fighter, heavily affecting the potential bout between Tsarukyan and Saint Denis.

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