Arman Tsarukyan, once hailed as one of the brightest prospects in the UFC’s lightweight division, appears to be on a collision course with the unthinkable: getting cut from the organization.

Tsarukyan, a fighter who earned a reputation for his explosive fighting style and impressive technical skills, seemed destined for greatness. His dominant debut against Islam Makhachev in 2019, where he held his own against the now lightweight champion, only solidified his potential. Fans and analysts alike believed it was only a matter of time before Tsarukyan cracked into the upper echelons of the division.

But as of late, things have taken a strange turn for the 26-year-old Armenian. Despite being on a decent run with wins over fighters like Matt Frevola and Joel Alvarez, Tsarukyan has recently faced a series of unfortunate setbacks that have raised eyebrows.

In his most recent outings, Tsarukyan has failed to deliver on the promise that once made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the sport. His fight against Thiago Moisés, a loss via a hard-fought decision, was particularly disappointing, as many believed Tsarukyan would dominate the Brazilian grappler. Instead, it exposed holes in his game that many hadn’t anticipated. The loss to Makhachev, while understandable given Makhachev’s rise, also highlighted that Tsarukyan struggled against elite competition.

Even more troubling for Tsarukyan is the growing sentiment from fans and analysts that he might be fighting against a “mental block.” His once confident and aggressive demeanor in the octagon seems to have been replaced with a hesitance that’s hard to shake off. While no one doubts his potential, his recent performances suggest that Tsarukyan might have a long road ahead if he’s to turn things around.

In an era where the UFC is less patient with its fighters — especially when the competition is fierce and the spotlight is on the next big thing — a string of poor performances can lead to a swift exit. UFC President Dana White has shown time and time again that even the most promising prospects are not immune to being shown the door if they don’t meet expectations.

With Tsarukyan reportedly in talks for his next bout, the pressure is mounting. The stakes have never been higher, and his performance in the next fight could determine his future in the organization. The UFC doesn’t hand out second chances — especially in a division as stacked as lightweight.

As fans continue to debate whether Tsarukyan can bounce back or if his UFC journey is nearing its end, one thing is for sure: the clock is ticking. The young fighter needs to prove he’s more than just potential, or else the possibility of getting cut from the UFC will become an unfortunate reality.