Chael Sonnen has called on the UFC to “forgive” Arman Tsarukyan and give the lightweight a title shot.
Sonnen expressed frustration over the promotion’s decision to bypass Tsarukyan, who is ranked number one, for the interim title fight at UFC 324, which instead features Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Sonnen pointed out that Tsarukyan has done everything asked of him, including serving as a backup fighter and making weight for previous events.
Tsarukyan’s absence from the title picture comes despite a dominant second-round submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar on November 22, 2025. While that win was expected to seal his shot against the champ Ilia Topuria, several factors have complicated this. In January 2025, Tsarukyan pulled out of a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev just 24 hours before the event.
Dana White has remained critical, stating that Tsarukyan “knows what happened” and must earn his way back. He was also involved in a headbutt incident at the UFC Qatar ceremonial weigh-ins and struck Dan Hooker in the forehead. This followed a previous suspension and $25,000 fine for striking a fan at UFC 300. Sonnen urged the UFC to move past this.
Sonnen Reacts
“Can we please forgive him? Whatever he did to get himself in this weird purgatory, can we also remember that he agreed to be a backup fighter? That he did a training camp, that he flew out to Las Vegas, he went through the commission, he made weight. He was ready to go in a moment’s notice. You get something for that. I want him to get something. I want him recognized. I forgive Arman Tsarukyan, and I want other people to forgive him.