UFC star banned for NINE months by PUNCHING fan before fight and risks losing title fight

ARMAN TSARUKYAN has been suspended for nine months for punching a fan at UFC 300.

The Armenian-born Russian struck a chord with MMA fans when he stepped into the Octagon for a showdown with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in April.

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Tsarukyan surprised the fans at T-Mobile Arena and the millions watching around the world when he slowed his pace to fire a right hand at the punter.

UFC President Dana White hoped the fan would take legal action against Tsarukyan, although he chose not to.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, however, chose to punish him with a nine-month suspension and a £19,700 fine.

Tsarukyan’s period of ineligibility could be reduced to six months if he completes an anti-bullying public service announcement.

And his management revealed that he plans to complete the PSA to rematch the current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in October.

His manager Danny Rubenstein said: “Arman appreciates the NSAC’s negotiations on this matter and looks forward to working with the UFC and NSAC to produce an anti-bullying PSA to reduce his suspension.

“And competing for the UFC lightweight title before the end of the year.”

Despite the prospect of being suspended and fined – which were eventually handed down to him – Tsarukyan did not regret his actions.

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Recalling the incident, he said: “He showed me ‘Fuck you’.

“And he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back.

“That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘Fuck you.’

“I don’t care who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.

“You can show me ‘F***’ from like 200 meters, I won’t punch you.

“But when you’re around me, it’s automatically I’m from Russia.

“Don’t do this, please, or I’ll go to prison in U.S”