Tsarukyan suspended 9 months after altercation with fan at UFC 300

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was suspended nine months for his altercation with a fan prior to his UFC 300 fight, according to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting.

Tsarukyan is also facing a $25,000 fine. His suspension can be reduced to six months if he completes an anti-bullying PSA.

Tsarukyan's manager, Daniel Rubenstein, said Tuesday that the top-ranked UFC lightweight will do the anti-bullying campaign with the Nevada State Athletic Commission to reduce his punishment, which would make him eligible to fight by Oct. 12, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

Cameras showed Tsarukyan seemingly throwing a punch at a fan during his walkout before a fight against Charles Oliveira on April 13.

The NSAC said the incident "could have been catastrophic for everyone involved," according to John Morgan of The MMA Road Show.

"This is a one-time offer. Repeat actions will be dealt with much more severely," the commission added.

Tsarukyan is expected to face UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev next. It's been speculated that the bout could take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26.

"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," Rubenstein announced, per Okamoto.

Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira via split decision, claiming the biggest win of his career. The 27-year-old has now won his last four fights.