Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has shared his perspective on what drives the promotion’s most significant events. Speaking on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast, Tsarukyan argued that UFC officials place a greater emphasis on pre-fight hype and drama than on the action within the octagon.
Arman Tsarukyan Explains: UFC Seeks Drama, Not Just Fights
Tsarukyan pointed to the highly publicized rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov as a prime example. Their 2018 bout, which still holds the pay-per-view buyrate record, was significantly amplified by a pre-fight incident where McGregor attacked a bus carrying Nurmagomedov. This event, Tsarukyan contends, went viral and was instrumental in making their fight the biggest in UFC history.
“It’s good for the UFC,” Tsarukyan stated. “You think they didn’t like it? They liked it… The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting. Like Conor [McGregor], Khabib [Nurmagomedov], [Nate] Diaz… the trash talk, everything.” He further elaborated that the hype surrounding events, including controversial moments like McGregor’s bus incident, is what captures public attention.
Tsarukyan also highlighted Nate Diaz as an example of a fighter whose career has been sustained by his willingness to engage in controversial exchanges and build compelling narratives. This approach, he believes, keeps fighters relevant and draws in viewers beyond just the hardcore fight fans.
The fighter’s own recent conduct, including an incident where he slapped a fan at UFC 300 and a headbutt during a pre-fight faceoff with Dan Hooker, aligns with his theory. Despite facing potential repercussions and being passed over for interim title shots, Tsarukyan views these controversial moments as beneficial for his visibility, drawing parallels to how the McGregor bus attack made the UFC 229 fight a must-see event.
Tsarukyan acknowledged that while some fans prefer to focus solely on the fights, many are drawn in by the narratives and drama that surround them, contributing to the sport’s mainstream appeal. He continues to compete in grappling events while awaiting his next UFC opportunity.
English Translation:
Arman Tsarukyan, a top-ranked UFC lightweight contender, has voiced his opinion on what fuels the promotion’s major events. Speaking on Patrick Bet-David’s podcast, Tsarukyan argued that UFC management prioritizes build-up and drama over the actual fights. He cited past rivalries as evidence, suggesting that the UFC benefits more from pre-fight controversies than from the athletic contests themselves.
“It’s beneficial for the UFC. Do you think they didn’t appreciate it? They did,” Tsarukyan stated. He believes the sport’s growth is driven by dramatic elements, not solely by the fighting itself, mentioning fighters like Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Nate Diaz as examples whose careers have been bolstered by trash talk and pre-fight confrontations.
Tsarukyan referenced the highly anticipated 2018 bout between McGregor and Nurmagomedov, which set a pay-per-view record. He pointed to an incident where McGregor attacked a bus carrying Nurmagomedov during promotional events, a moment that went viral and significantly heightened anticipation for their fight. Tsarukyan believes such incidents, rather than just the fighting prowess, make fights “the biggest in the UFC.”
He further explained that these dramatic moments, including press conference spats and other controversies, are what capture public attention and contribute to the sport’s popularity. Tsarukyan also mentioned Nate Diaz as a fighter who has maintained relevance through his willingness to engage in heated exchanges and create compelling storylines.
Tsarukyan’s own recent actions, such as slapping a fan at UFC 300 and headbutting Dan Hooker before a fight, align with his perspective. Despite potential career implications, he sees these controversial moments as advantageous for his profile, similar to how the McGregor bus incident made the UFC 229 fight an unmissable event.
He acknowledged that while some fans are solely interested in the fights, many are drawn to the surrounding narratives and drama, which have contributed to MMA’s broader appeal. Tsarukyan continues to compete in grappling while awaiting his next UFC appearance, noting that he has been overlooked for interim lightweight titles in favor of fighters like Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, with Dana White citing his history of controversial behavior.
