UFC fighter banned for nine months for hitting fan

The Nevada State Athletic Commission imposed a nine-month suspension on UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan for punching a fan in April.

The incident occurred during Tsarukyan’s exit from UFC 300 on April 13 in Las Vegas, when he got into a physical altercation with a spectator who gave him the middle finger.

According to martial arts reporter John Morgan, Tsarukyan was suspended until January 12, 2025 and fined $25,000.

The fine and a $471.12 arraignment fee will be deducted from the $31,600 the commission has already forfeited.

The Commission stated that the incident “could have had catastrophic consequences for all those involved” and that “repeat offenders would face much harsher penalties”.

Tsarukyan, 27, defeated Charles Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300. It was his fourth consecutive win and improved his record to 22-3.

CBS Sports reported that Tsarukyan can shorten his suspension by making a public announcement against bullying. Reducing his suspension to six months would allow him to return after October 12.

“Arman appreciates the NSAC’s approach to this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and the NSAC to create an anti-bullying PSA, reduce his suspension and fight for a UFC lightweight title before the end of the year,” Tsarukyan’s manager Daniel Rubenstein wrote in a statement to CBS Sports.

Tsarukyan had hoped to fight Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title before the end of 2024.