Arman Tsarukyan has stated that the UFC had initially arranged a fight between him and Michael Chandler for June 14, which was set to take place at the White House’s South Lawn. However, the organization subsequently altered its plans, leading to Chandler being scheduled to face Brazilian knockout artist Mauricio Ruffy.
Michael Chandler has experienced a downturn in his recent UFC career, losing five of his last six bouts. Most recently, at UFC 314, he suffered a significant TKO defeat against Paddy Pimblett. Chandler had initially expressed a desire to fight Conor McGregor on June 14 to conclude their history from The Ultimate Fighter 31. It now appears the UFC has different intentions for both McGregor and Chandler.
In the meantime, Tsarukyan, who last competed at UFC Qatar and defeated Dan Hooker, is aiming for a lightweight title shot next. During a recent appearance on the PBD Podcast, the 29-year-old Armenian fighter discussed the Michael Chandler matchup that ultimately did not materialize. He commented, “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, at 40 years old, might consider retirement if he doesn’t regain his winning form at the White House event. However, a victory against Ruffy, especially if he again calls out McGregor, could potentially reignite the possibility of their long-anticipated fight. McGregor is rumored to be returning in July at UFC 329, possibly against Max Holloway, but a strong performance from Chandler on June 14 could still offer him a significant payday.
Arman Tsarukyan, on the other hand, is widely expected to contend for the lightweight title later this year. He has also expressed interest in serving as a backup fighter for a potential lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
English Translation:
Arman Tsarukyan claims that the UFC had initially planned a fight between him and Michael Chandler for June 14 at the White House. However, the promotion later changed their plans, and Chandler was then matched against Brazilian knockout artist Mauricio Ruffy.
Chandler has lost five of his last six UFC fights, most recently suffering a brutal TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. “Iron” had originally wanted to fight Conor McGregor on June 14 to settle their TUF 31 rivalry. However, it now seems the UFC has different plans for both McGregor and Chandler.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan, who last fought and defeated Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, is seeking his next fight to be for the lightweight title. Speaking on the PBD Podcast about the Michael Chandler matchup that didn’t happen, the 29-year-old Armenian stated: “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, 40, might consider retirement if he fails to secure a win at the White House event. However, a victory against Ruffy, coupled with a renewed call-out of McGregor, could potentially lead to their fight finally materializing. McGregor is rumored to return in July at UFC 329, possibly for a rematch with Max Holloway. Nevertheless, a big win on June 14 could still grant Chandler a lucrative “red panty night.”
Arman Tsarukyan is anticipated to challenge for the title later this year. In the interim, he has expressed a desire to serve as the backup fighter for the lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.