Arman Tsarukyan outlines May return and backs Khamzat Chimaev’s

Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC’s #2 lightweight contender, announced he is medically cleared and eager to fight as early as late April or May, while also publicly supporting teammate Khamzat Chimaev’s bid to reclaim the middleweight title [2].

Key takeaways

• Tsarukyan’s back injury has healed, and he is ready for a fight in April or May [2].
• He wants a matchup against a top‑five opponent—specifically Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje—or a title fight [2].
• Tsarukyan posted on Instagram that Chimaev will win back his belt after UFC 328 [1].
• As of early 2026, Tsarukyan is ranked #2 in the lightweight division and #15 pound‑for‑pound [3].

Ready for a May showdown

In a recent interview with The Schmo, Tsarukyan said his back “is feeling good” and that a fight in “May or the end of April” would be ideal [2]. He emphasized his desire to face another elite lightweight, naming Oliveira and Gaethje as preferred opponents. Tsarukyan argued that a bout with Gaethje would be a fair stepping stone before any title shot, noting that Gaethje “won’t get a title fight” without first beating him [2]. He also mentioned the possibility of a title fight if the promotion chooses to match him against Oliveira or another top contender.

Backing Chimaev’s redemption

After UFC 328, where Sean Strickland dethroned Khamzat Chimaev, Tsarukyan took to Instagram to counter Dana White’s claim that Chimaev wanted to move up to light heavyweight. Tsarukyan wrote, “Head up Champ. You will get your belt back soon,” signaling confidence that Chimaev will reclaim the middleweight title [1]. The post came amid speculation about Chimaev’s future after a weight‑cut issue and a loss in his first middleweight title defense.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan’s readiness for a spring fight signals the lightweight division’s next contender cycle, especially after his withdrawal from a title bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury [2]. His expressed interest in fighting Oliveira or Gaethje could set up high‑profile matchups that shape the top‑five rankings. Simultaneously, his public endorsement of Chimaev adds a narrative layer to the middleweight division, where the former champion’s path back to the belt remains uncertain. If Tsarukyan secures a fight in the coming weeks, the UFC will need to align opponent selection with both division rankings and the promotional storyline surrounding Chimaev’s comeback.