ARMAN TSARUKYAN has been slapped with a NINE-MONTH ban for punching a fan at UFC 300.
The Armenian-born Russian went for the MMA fan as he made his way to the octagon for his clash with former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira in April.
Tsarukyan stunned fans in attendance at the T-Mobile Arena and the millions watching around the world by breaking his stride to fire a right hand at the punter.
UFC president Dana White expected the fan to take legal action against Tsarukyan, although he opted against doing so.
The Nevada Athletic State Commission, however, has opted to hit 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 has revealed he plans to complete the PSA in order to rematch current lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in October.
His manager Danny Rubenstein said: “Arman appreciates the NSAC’s dealings in 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 a UFC lightweight title before the end of the year.”
Despite the prospect of being slapped with a suspension and a fine – which were ultimately handed to him – Tsarukyan didn’t regret his actions.
Recalling the incident, he said: “He showed me ‘F*** you.’
“And he wanted to punch me and I wanted to punch him back.
“That’s it. So guys, no one show me ‘F*** you.’
“It doesn’t matter who you are, I’m going to punch you in the face.
“You can show me ‘F***’ from like 200 metres, I’m not going to punch you.
“But when you’re close to me, it’s, like automatically, I’m from Russia.
“Don’t do that, please, or I’m going to go to prison in U.S.”’
