Arman Tsarukyan meets Eddie Hearn in Marbella, sparking Matchroom Talent speculation

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has met boxing promoter Eddie Hearn in Marbella, Spain, prompting speculation that he could become the next MMA fighter to join Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency. Hearn posted a photo of himself with Tsarukyan and members of the fighter's team on Instagram on Friday, October 30, Bloody Elbow reported. The caption was only a handshake emoji.

Neither man has said what the meeting was about. As of Friday evening, no deal had been announced by Matchroom, Tsarukyan or his team, and there was no comment from the UFC.

What is confirmed and what is not

What is confirmed: Hearn and Tsarukyan met in Marbella, and Hearn shared a photo of the meeting. According to Bloody Elbow, the handshake caption "implied that some sort of business had been done". MMA Scene and NDTV also reported the photo, and NDTV wrote that the meeting had fuelled "speculation that a deal may be close". Knockout Daily summed it up this way: "we have a meal, a photo and an emoji", with no signed deal and no statement from Tsarukyan.

Bloody Elbow said it was not clear why Tsarukyan was in Marbella. Hearn was reportedly there to meet Anthony Joshua ahead of his heavyweight fight with Tyson Fury.

Hearn's growing MMA stable

Matchroom Sport launched Matchroom Talent Agency earlier in 2026. Tom Aspinall, then the UFC heavyweight champion, was its first client and signed a commercial and advisory deal. Ian Machado Garry joined in June ahead of his welterweight title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. Garry's deal covers commercial interests only, and Vayner Sports still handles his fight negotiations with the UFC, MMA Fighting reported. At the time, Hearn said Matchroom had been "inundated with MMA athletes asking us to represent them".

According to Bloody Elbow, Paulo Costa is also in the process of joining Hearn's stable. NDTV noted that Aspinall and Garry both stayed under UFC contract after signing with Matchroom, so any agreement with Tsarukyan would not by itself change his UFC status.

The Hearn vs White feud

The meeting comes during a public feud between Hearn and UFC CEO Dana White. It began when White's Zuffa Boxing signed Conor Benn away from Matchroom, and Hearn responded by moving into MMA management. White has played down Hearn's signings. "When guys sign with Eddie Hearn, and this is no bulls**t, I'm not taking shots; we f**king crack up laughing," White said, as quoted by NDTV. "Anyone else who wants to sign with Eddie Hearn as their manager, fire away."

Why Tsarukyan would matter

Tsarukyan is one of the top contenders at 155 pounds and has a large audience outside the Octagon. Bloody Elbow said he has close to 10 million followers across social media, built through streaming and regular appearances in Real American Freestyle (RAF) wrestling and grappling events. Last week he beat Dillon Danis by 10-0 technical fall in the RAF 14 main event in Las Vegas.

In the UFC, Tsarukyan has been pushing for a lightweight title shot against champion Justin Gaethje. He has also said he would face Alexander Volkanovski if the title becomes vacant. NDTV reported that Gaethje is not expected back before 2027.

POP MMA will update this story if Matchroom or Tsarukyan confirms an agreement.