In an unexpected exchange, looksmaxxing influencer and streamer Braden Peters, widely known as Clavicular, recently suggested that UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan could enhance his prospects for future title fights by improving his physical appearance. This advice emerged during a collaborative session as part of Tsarukyan’s ongoing public relations activities.
Tsarukyan’s last octagon appearance was in 2025 at UFC Qatar, where he impressively secured a submission victory over Dan Hooker. Despite this win, he was subsequently denied a title shot. Looking ahead, Tsarukyan aims to serve as a backup fighter for the highly anticipated UFC Freedom 250 main event, which features a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. He has indicated that his next fight announcement will follow the “White House card.”
Clavicular posited that marketability plays a crucial role in a fighter’s career, with promotions often favoring those with a more appealing public image. He directly encouraged Tsarukyan to consider the benefits of refining his looks:
“You would probably be able to get more title fights, the better looking you were. So it could be worth it. Everyone can improve. Even the best-looking person in the world. So get a little better.”
Tsarukyan, taking the advice in jest, humorously responded to the idea, suggesting a drastic measure:
“Now I’m gonna do Botox to get my title fight. That’s why they didn’t give me [a title shot], because I’m ugly.”
Why Arman Tsarukyan Was Denied a Title Opportunity
The decision to withhold a title shot from Arman Tsarukyan, despite his status as a top lightweight contender, stems from a combination of factors. Tsarukyan was initially scheduled for a championship bout against then-lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but had to withdraw at the last minute due to a hernia. To re-establish a positive standing with UFC President Dana White, Tsarukyan then served as a backup for UFC 317.
Following his impressive victory at UFC Qatar, Tsarukyan again requested a title fight, only to be denied. Dana White has publicly cited Tsarukyan’s “antics” both inside and outside the octagon as the primary reasons for this refusal. These include allegations of punching a fan, headbutting Dan Hooker, and engaging in altercations with Georgio Poullas.
In response to these criticisms, Tsarukyan has since publicly committed to improving his conduct, expressing his expectation to compete for the title before the close of 2026.
