Arman Tsarukyan is set to compete twice in a week next month, building on the momentum he's gained away from the UFC.
## What happened?

Pat Downey, Tsarukyan's teammate, believes the UFC lightweight contender has flipped the script and now holds the power.
Downey expressed disappointment at not facing an MMA star in his upcoming fight at RAF 10.
The event takes place on June 13 in St. Louis, Missouri, and features two big names from the UFC roster.
## Why it matters for Arman Tsarukyan

Tsarukyan's increased profile puts him in a stronger position in his MMA career, according to Downey.
The 29-year-old has competed five times for RAF this year and is now the face of the wrestling promotion.
Downey credits Tsarukyan with significantly increasing his profile, making him a more formidable figure.
## What comes next?

Tsarukyan will face Tony Ferguson at RAF 10, just a day before the UFC lightweight title unification clash.
He has also placed a $1 million bet on Justin Gaethje to beat Ilia Topuria, although the legitimacy of this bet is in question.
As per Pat Downey, the UFC will have to plead with Tsarukyan to return, given his newfound bargaining power.
Tsarukyan's recent activities have sparked interest, with many believing he should be competing at Freedom 250.
The UFC will likely need to negotiate with Tsarukyan to secure his return, as he is now in a position of strength.
And with his upcoming fights, Tsarukyan's momentum is expected to continue, making him a force to be reckoned with.
But the question remains whether the UFC can convince him to return, given his current situation.
So, the future of Tsarukyan's UFC career hangs in the balance, as he weighs his options and considers his next move.
Tsarukyan's teammate, Pat Downey, has praised his skills and strategy, saying he's "brilliant" for increasing his profile.
As of June 9, 2026, Tsarukyan's plans for his UFC career remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: he's in the driver's seat.
The UFC will need to make a compelling offer to secure his return, or risk losing him to other promotions.
Tsarukyan's recent bet on Justin Gaethje has also sparked controversy, with some questioning its legitimacy.
The situation will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, as Tsarukyan prepares for his upcoming fights.
Tsarukyan's fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move, as he navigates the complex world of MMA.