Arman Tsarukyan has tried everything to land a fight against Ilia Topuria. After pulling out of the title fight at UFC 311, he has been resorting to making funny skits on social media to get the current champion’s attention, but ‘El Matador’ is not interested. Well, Tsarukyan seems to have no intention of sitting on the sidelines waiting for a title shot and is instead returning to competition against a former lightweight champion.

Well, if you’re wondering who the former champion we’re talking about is, well, it’s none other than Benson Henderson. Now, you may be thinking that the toothpick-biting legend has long been retired from the fight game. So there is no way it’s an MMA fight, which is true. That’s because just recently, it was reported that Arman Tsarukyan will be making his way back to the Absolute Championship of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for a grappling match, and he will be facing Henderson.

The grappling match between Arman Tsarukyan and Benson Henderson has been announced as part of a tribute event. The tribute will be paid to Ali Gaziev, a BJJ practitioner, who recently passed away. Now, the promotion has come forth to pay their respects, announcing Tsarukyan’s fight on social media. “The main contender for the UFC lightweight title and one of the best fighters in the world, Arman Tsarukyan, will appear at the ACBJJ18 tournament, dedicated to the memory of Alil Gaziev,” they wrote.

It appears that ACBJJ was looking for an opponent after making the initial announcement about Arman Tsarykyan fighting in their event. That’s because, before the recent confirmation of Benson Henderson as his opponent, there were no mentions of any opponent at all. In fact, the promotion asked the fans, “Who would you like to see as an opponent for Arman?” We’re not sure if that’s what the fans wanted, but it is an interesting pairing nonetheless, so fans can find out what happens on 19 September in Moscow.

Well, what matters for Arman Tsarukyan is a return to the Octagon and not onto a wrestling mat. He’s trying to get his hands on a title shot, but that seems unlikely to happen. Instead, there have been reports that Tsarukyan could be fighting a top 10 contender instead, and that too, in a country where the UFC will be debuting.

Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker is reportedly in the works for UFC Qatar

After the UFC’s debut in Azerbaijan just a few months ago, Dana White and Co. are now headed to Qatar. The country that hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup has become a global sports destination and has hosted many international sporting events. Now, they’re getting UFC Qatar, and reports claim that Arman Tsarukyan could headline the event against lightweight stalwart Dan Hooker.

However, there is no confirmation regarding that matter, as the report was shared just recently by Red Corner MMA, claiming that the fight is in the works. Arman Tsarukyan would have liked to fight someone in the top 5, but against Dan Hooker, the fight is guaranteed to produce fireworks. Not only will this be an important fight for the Armenian star to get back in Dana White’s good graces, but it will also be a big opportunity for ‘The Hangman’ as a win over Tsarukyan could open the door for a potential title fight against Ilia Topuria.

Well, there has been no word on Ilia Topuria’s first title defense, but that could change in the coming weeks. As for Arman Tsarukyan, he may not have any other choice than to take what Dana White offers him, and it remains to be seen how things pan out for both lightweights. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.