UFC Legend Warns Arman Tsarukyan After Chaotic Incident

Daniel Cormier criticizes Tsarukyan's recent antics, says he must be 'very careful' to maintain UFC title shot momentum.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, representing the chaotic and unpredictable nature of a UFC fight between two fighters.A fractured, cubist interpretation of the chaotic UFC fight between rising star Arman Tsarukyan and veteran Urijah Faber, highlighting the high-stakes drama and unpredictability of professional MMA.Philadelphia Today

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was involved in a chaotic scene at a recent RAF 08 event in Philadelphia, where he was declared the winner by tech fall against UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber. The incident, which saw both fighters go flying into the stands, has drawn criticism from former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, who warned Tsarukyan about maintaining his good standing with the UFC amid his push for a title shot.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan is considered a rising star in the UFC's lightweight division and has been on the cusp of a title shot. However, his recent off-the-mat antics, including an incident with American Airlines, have raised concerns about his professionalism and ability to capitalize on his momentum. Cormier's warning highlights the delicate balance between athletic success and maintaining a positive public image in the world of professional MMA.

The details

The chaotic scene at RAF 08 unfolded after Tsarukyan's match against Faber was elevated to the main event following the withdrawal of Henry Cejudo due to injury. Although Tsarukyan was declared the winner, the aftermath of the fight, which saw both fighters tumble into the stands, has drawn criticism from Cormier. Cormier, who has a wrestling background, expressed concern over Tsarukyan's recent behavior, including an incident with American Airlines, and warned the rising star that he must be 'very careful' to maintain his good standing with the UFC and capitalize on his title shot momentum.

  • The incident at RAF 08 occurred on Saturday, April 19, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA.
  • Tsarukyan last fought in November 2025, earning a second-round arm-triangle choke victory over Dan Hooker.

The players

Arman Tsarukyan

A rising UFC lightweight contender who was recently involved in a chaotic incident at a RAF 08 event in Philadelphia.

Urijah Faber

A UFC Hall of Famer and former WEC champion who was Tsarukyan's opponent in the main event at RAF 08.

Daniel Cormier

A former two-division UFC champion who has a wrestling background and has criticized Tsarukyan's recent behavior, warning him to be 'very careful' to maintain his good standing with the UFC.

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What they’re saying

“Arman [Tsarukyan] was in purgatory. It's almost like the trust was gone. But you can start to rebuild that trust through competition.”

— Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Two-Division Champion

“The thing the other day with American Airlines, for us that's funny. But we need to make sure — Arman told me himself, 'I'll be a good boy.' It's funny to us, but he's right at that point now where he's gotta peel back a little bit and he's gonna get exactly what he wants.”

— Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Two-Division Champion

“Everything is going great. I told his manager the other day, I said, 'Just don't f*** this up. Don't do one thing that kicks you backwards.' He's gotta be very careful.”

— Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Two-Division Champion

What’s next

Tsarukyan's next UFC fight has not been announced, but Cormier has urged the rising star to be 'very careful' in his actions outside the Octagon to maintain his momentum towards a potential title shot.

The takeaway

Tsarukyan's recent off-the-mat antics, including the chaotic incident at RAF 08 and an incident with American Airlines, have raised concerns about his professionalism and ability to capitalize on his momentum as a top UFC lightweight contender. Cormier's warning highlights the delicate balance between athletic success and maintaining a positive public image in the world of professional MMA, and Tsarukyan must navigate this carefully to secure his long-awaited title shot.