Arman Tsarukyan has stated that the UFC had contacted him with an offer to face Michael Chandler on June 14, with the event slated to take place at the South Lawn of the White House. However, he claims the promotion later revised its plans, and Chandler was subsequently matched up with Brazilian knockout specialist Mauricio Ruffy.
Michael Chandler has experienced a difficult run recently, losing five of his last six bouts in the UFC. Most recently, he suffered a significant TKO defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. Initially, Chandler had expressed a strong desire to fight Conor McGregor on June 14, aiming to conclude their storyline from The Ultimate Fighter 31. However, it appears the UFC has different strategic considerations for both McGregor and Chandler.
In the meantime, Arman Tsarukyan, who last competed and secured a victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, has expressed his aspiration to compete for the lightweight championship next.
Arman Tsarukyan Details Near-Miss with Michael Chandler on June 14
During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, the 29-year-old Armenian fighter discussed the planned but ultimately unfulfilled matchup with Michael Chandler. He shared, “They wanted to put me against Chandler [at the White House], but then they realized [it was a bad idea and so they chose Mauricio Ruffy].”
Chandler, now 40 years old, might consider retirement if he cannot secure a victory at the upcoming White House event. Should he manage to defeat Ruffy and once again call out McGregor, it remains to be seen if the UFC would finally sanction such a highly anticipated rematch. McGregor is reportedly set to return in July at UFC 329, possibly in a rematch with Max Holloway. However, a decisive win for Chandler on June 14 could still pave the way for a lucrative “red panty night.”
Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is anticipated to contend for the title later this year. He has also expressed interest in serving as a backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
