Tsarukyan gets nine-month ban for fan altercation

Tsarukyan is first in the UFC's lightweight rankings

Arman Tsarukyan has been handed a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for an altercation with a fan at UFC 300 in Las Vegas in March.

The Armenian lightweight, 27, threw a punch at a spectator before being pulled back by security during his walkout to face Charles Oliveira.

The ban, backdated to the incident, expires in January but can be reduced to six months if he produces an anti-bullying public service announcement.

The suspension is a potential blow to Tsarukyan's short-term championship hopes after he outpointed Brazil's Oliveira in a title eliminator.

If his ban is reduced, however, he could face Russia's Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi at the end of October.

Tsarukyan, who is on a four-fight win streak in the UFC, was also fined $25,000 (£19,700) for the altercation.