Amid continued links to a huge title fight with Ilia Topuria, Armenian star Arman Tsarukyan has booked his return to competition.
Tied to a massive title outing at the lightweight limit against the unbeaten Ilia Topuria in recent weeks, Arman Tsarukyan has been sidelined from the Octagon since his title-eliminator win last summer.
- READ MORE — UFC lightweight contender ‘hearing whispers’ of a UFC 322 super card including Ilia Topuria
Most recently scoring a title eliminator victory over common opponent Charles Oliveira, Tsarukyan would miss out on a championship charge against Islam Makhachev at the beginning of this year, however.
And in the wake of continued links to a showdown with Topuria, top contender Tsarukyan has booked his return to action.
Arman Tsarukyan books grappling clash at ACBJJ 18 in September
Set to feature in his third submission grappling outing this year, Tsarukyan is reportedly in line to compete at ACBJJ 18 next month in Moscow, Russia — in search of his third win this year on the mats.
Earlier this year, Tsarukyan featured at a Karate Combat event, taking a decision win over Russian opponent Makasharip Zaynukov, before submitting former Bellator MMA lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull in a rear-naked choke win under the ADXC banner.
But amid links to a showdown with Spanish finisher Topuria, number two-ranked contender Tsarukyan is keeping himself busy.
- READ MORE — Arman Tsarukyan tells Ilia Topuria to ‘give up the belt’ amid ongoing wait for another UFC title shot
The booking of Tsarukyan comes off the back of speculation regarding the immediate future of Topuria.
Ilia Topuria linked with UFC 322 comeback
Flip-flopping on a potential fight with the surging Tsarukyan, two-weight champion Topuria has been tied to a potential return as soon as November in the main event of UFC 322.
Notably, Topuria has been linked to the above-mentioned Tsarukyan, as well as a grudge fight with streaking challenger Paddy Pimblett next.
However, the Spaniard has also been speculated to finally grant former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje a shot at his undisputed title in his first defense of 155lbs gold.