The fan who was on the receiving end of Arman Tsarukyan’s swing at UFC 300 found himself in the spotlight once again. This time, he was spotted at International Fight Week asking Dustin Poirier a question about the highly anticipated matchup between Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev.
“Dustin, you trained with Arman at American Top Team, and you fought against Islam,” the fan, known only as Cheo, said. “Who do you favor in that match-up?”
Poirier, who has faced both fighters in the past, took the opportunity to share his insights. “Arman and I have trained together, and I’ve seen the work he puts in,” the former interim lightweight champion said. “He’s a talented fighter, but Islam is also a formidable opponent. It’s a tough fight to call, but I think it’s going to be an exciting matchup.”
Cheo, the fan who found himself in the center of the UFC 300 incident, expressed his appreciation for Poirier’s measured response. “You’re a hero, Cheo!” he exclaimed. “You didn’t sue him, and you’re a good man. You’re the reason we don’t have a lightweight title fight.”
When asked about his role in the UFC 300 incident, Cheo explained his perspective. “I’m a big Charles Oliveira fan, so I was obviously rooting for him,” he said. “I was just flipping the guy off, and we made eye contact. You don’t flip a guy like Arman Tsarukyan off, man.”
Despite the altercation, Cheo chose not to pursue legal action against Tsarukyan. “I’m not about that, you know?” he said. “Arman is the reason Oliveira is suspended, but I didn’t sue because I’m not about that.”
Tsakuryan is suspended for 6 months and has a hefty fine attached. This gesture likely cost Tsakuryan the title shot which was discussed for October of 2024.
