Arman Tsarukyan has explained why he attempted to punch a fan during his walkout at UFC 300 on Saturday night.
The landmark event was a night will go down in UFC history with Max Holloway pulling off one of the greatest knockouts in his BMF title bout with Justin Geathje and Alex Pereira finishing Jamahal Hill in the main event.
Tsarukyan also picked up a huge victory, beating former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira via split decision and most likely earning himself a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
However, the first punch he threw came before he had even entered the octagon.
Tsarukyan was making his way out into the arena as a spectator appeared to attempt to provoke him.
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Arman Tsarukyan has explained why he attempted to punch a fan during his walkout
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Tsarukyan launched a right hand in the direction of a fan and claims that he was provoked
he immediately responded by launching an overhand right in the fan’s direction before continuing to make his way to the cage.
Speaking about the incident, Tsarukyan said: ‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
