Arman Tsarukyan knows how close he is to a UFC title shot and doesn't want anything getting in the way.
The lightweight contender has been overlooked before, most notably when he was left out of the interim title fight earlier this year, much to the frustration of many fans who feel his time is overdue.
Since then, Tsarukyan has stayed active through wrestling and grappling events, while also making appearances on several popular livestreams. Now that a potential shot seems closer than ever, Daniel Cormier wants him to avoid any missteps.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
A few factors seem to have played a role in why the Armenian hasn't been given a title shot yet. He's had a string of incidents, from punching a fan at UFC 300, to pulling out of UFC 311 on short notice, and even headbutting Dan Hooker in Qatar.
It's safe to say that the lightweight contender has built quite a reputation for his behaviour outside the cage.
The latest issue came when he was removed from an American Airlines flight before Saturday's Real American Freestyle event.
Cormier addressed this during a recent video on his YouTube channel, urging Tsarukyan to dial back his actions outside the sport and make sure he doesn't blow his opportunity for a title shot.
Tsarukyan is set to continue his unbeaten streak in wrestling and grappling this Saturday night, stepping into action once again.
The event, held at the Liacouras Center of Temple University, features Tsarukyan taking on Urijah Faber before Henry Cejudo meets Merab Dvalishvili in the main event.
In his previous outing, Tsarukyan defeated Georgio Poullas for a second time. That rematch came just weeks after their first meeting ended in a brawl at RAF 06.
Faber's last appearance saw him fall short against Cejudo, marking a tough start to his time with Real American Freestyle.
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