Arman Tsarukyan has explained why he punched a fan as we walked out for his fight at UFC 300.
UFC 300 will go down as one of the most thrilling events in the history of the organisation, with Tsarukyan taking on Charles Oliveira and Alex Pereira fighting Jamahal Hill in the co-main events.
Tsarukyan beat former lightweight champion Oliveira via split decision in the lightweight clash, meaning he should now have a title shot against reigning champion Islam Makhachev.
Advert
However, the Armenian's fight began before he even stepped foot in the Octagon.
Tsarukyan fist-bumped and high-fived fans in Las Vegas as he made his way to the Octagon for the fight, but he became involved in a scuffle a few seconds into his walk-out.
The Armenian fighter suddenly launched a huge overhand right at a member of the crowd, with other spectators capturing the incident on video.
Advert
When asked after the fight about the incident, Tsarukyan told reporters: "He showed he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back, that’s it.
"If you show that it doesn’t matter who you are I am going to punch you in the face.
Advert
"When you are close to me, it is automatic. I’m from Russia, don’t do that please. Or I’m going to go to prison in the US."
On the incident, commentator Daniel Cormier said live on air: "Yeah it’s crazy to see him do that.
"You want to be so locked in. That has to be something that matters to Arman, what happened to him on the way to the Octagon."
UFC president Dana White had little sympathy for the fan Tsarukyan punched.
Advert
"Yeah, you might not one to hang over the things and grab people when they’re walking out," he said.
"These guys are all f*****g hyped up and whatever. We’re probably going to get sued but we will deal with that on Monday."
In the other main event, Alex Pereira successfully defended his heavyweight crown with a first round knockout against Jamahal Hill.
Topics: UFC, Dana White, MMA
Alex Brotherton