Eddie Hearn Denies Signing Arman Tsarukyan
The UFC-bound promoter says a shared hotel breakfast with the fighter was a chance encounter, not a management deal.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Promoter Eddie Hearn has denied signing Arman Tsarukyan to a management deal after the fighter posted a photo of the two meeting last week. Hearn said they were randomly staying in the same hotel and arranged to have breakfast together, and he shared the photo on Instagram.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights how closely fighters and promoters' representatives are watched for deal-making signals in mixed martial arts. Hearn's recent expanding role in promotional duties for several UFC fighters makes any management connection a notable question for fans and industry observers.
The only documented evidence is a photo posted by Tsarukyan and a same-week Instagram post by Hearn, with no commercial or performance figures attached. Whether any representation agreement exists between the two remains unconfirmed by either party beyond Hearn's denial.
The players
Eddie Hearn
A British boxing promoter and founder of Matchroom Sport who has expanded into mixed martial arts representation and promotional work for several UFC fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan
An Armenian-born UFC lightweight contender known for his wrestling-based grappling style and aggressive pace.
The details
Tsarukyan posted a photo showing a meeting with Hearn, and Hearn responded by sharing the breakfast on his own social media, describing it as a chance encounter at a hotel where the two were staying. Hearn has previously helped fighters such as Ian Machado Garry with deals, and Tom Aspinall, Garry, and Paulo Costa have each had Hearn take over some promotional duties.
Timeline
- Last week: Tsarukyan posts photo of meeting with Hearn.
- Shortly after Dana White's comments on Volkanovski: Hearn shares the photo on social media.
Season Trajectory
The growing presence of boxing promoters such as Matchroom Sport in mixed martial arts has reshaped how fighter representation and promotional deals are structured in the sport. Speculation over management ties like this one can influence fighter market positioning and the competitive balance of promotional alliances.
Fans tracking UFC lightweight contenders should note that Tsarukyan's representation status remains unconfirmed, which could affect future matchmaking and promotional appearances. Followers of Hearn's expanding MMA roster may watch for any formal announcement clarifying his role with the fighter.
The takeaway
Promoter and fighter associations are often read into from a single shared photo, so official confirmation is the reliable signal to watch. Until one arrives, treat any management claim as unverified.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Mixed Martial Arts section.
