Days before he was forced out of the main event of UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan admitted to a friend that he is not “100 percent committed” to MMA.
For most fighters at any level, the opportunity to fight for a UFC world title is an ultimate goal that is the culmination of years of struggle. But it seems the challenger already had other things in mind and was ready to give up the 'sport' of MMA after winning the title.
Now he may have missed his chance after being forced out of the main event of tomorrow night's event. It appears a back injury was the cause of the last-second decision, and he has since been replaced by fan favorite Renato Moicano.
Arman Tsarukyan Admits He's Not '100 Percent Committed to MMA' Before UFC 311 Pullout
During the lead-up to UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan was documented in camp for his YouTube channel for his biggest fight yet. He is known for his phenomenal form and chasing wins over top opponents like Charles Oliveira before earning his title shot.
But during one part of the documentary, he was asked by a friend why he wasn't fully committed to the sport. This made headlines and is a clip played by fans on social media after he withdrew.
“You yourself told us that you are not 100% invested in MMA and that there are many guys who work harder and yet,” said his friend while training for his fight on Mount Elbrus in Russia, after choosing to not to do that. training in America.
“You are just one step away from becoming the best lightweight in the world. Have you ever asked yourself, 'What if I invested 100% in MMA?', his friend asked.
Admitting that he might not be fully involved in “this case,” he told his friend, “Well, now we'll see.” The title fight will show whether a man who has not invested 100 percent in this company can still make it.”
Arman Tsarukyan also admitted that all he watched after UFC 311 were “money fights.”
Shortly after making that comment, he also told Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman on their Pound 4 Pound podcast that he was willing to give up the “sports” aspect of competing in the UFC. His plan was to win the title and then wait for “money fights” if he could get through Islam Makhachev.
“My goal is to win the title and from there I will only think about business because what I wanted is to become world champion now,” Tsarukyan said. “I am only concentrating on Islam and if I win the title I will be done with the sport.
'I'm just going to do business and I'm going to choose [fights] Whoever the UFC pays me more, I'm going to fight. It will be business, not just sports. Right now it's a legacy to be a champion after that, and then business-wise, after this fight, when I'm champion, all I'm going to think about is money.
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