Arman Tsarukyan and Tony Ferguson are set to take on hosting duties for the upcoming season of Hype Reality, the popular mixed martial arts reality show in Russia. Announced ahead of the Summer Chapter, which will be filmed in Thailand, this move marks a notable moment as both fighters transition into prominent roles beyond their competitive careers.
New Faces Leading Hype Reality’s Upcoming Season
The Hype Fighting Championship revealed on their Instagram that Arman Tsarukyan and Tony Ferguson will serve as the new hosts for the show’s latest installment. This news, initially reported by Red Corner MMA, confirms both athletes’ involvement in the Summer Chapter of Hype Reality. Ferguson will also take on hosting responsibilities for the promotion’s supplementary project, Reels Fighting.
Hype Reality has grown in prominence, especially since featuring UFC fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Arman Tsarukyan behind the scenes during earlier seasons. The show‘s appeal is heightened by appearances from internationally recognized fighters such as Jon Jones and Nate Diaz, who have filmed recent seasons in Thailand. With Ferguson and Tsarukyan stepping into hosting roles, fans anticipate a fresh dynamic that blends fighting expertise with reality TV drama.
Backgrounds and Recent Activity for Tsarukyan and Ferguson
Arman Tsarukyan, often referred to by his nickname ‘Akhalkalakets,’ previously competed as a coach opposite Khamzat Chimaev in the show‘s third season, where a coaches’ wrestling challenge became widely circulated online. The Armenian fighter has been active outside the UFC recently, competing successfully in grappling matches and securing wins against Makkasharip Zaynukov at Karate Combat 54 and Patricky Pitbull at ADXC 10.
Tony Ferguson, known for his intense fighting style, has been preparing for a bout with Dillon Danis under the GFL league banner; however, the status of that promotion remains unclear at this time. Ferguson’s engagement with Hype Fighting Championship via hosting roles signals a potential pivot toward expanding his presence within the MMA entertainment sector.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Path Back to UFC Title Contention
Following an injury that forced Tsarukyan out of a fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, his UFC standing has faced challenges. UFC President Dana White indicated Tsarukyan would need to rebuild his title contention status from the ground up after withdrawing due to a back injury shortly before the event. Despite being a former number one lightweight contender, Tsarukyan has yet to return to the Octagon since the injury.
Tsarukyan recently expressed intentions to fight Justin Gaethje next, an acknowledged top contender, in an effort to move back toward championship contention. In a conversation on the Jaxxon Podcast, Tsarukyan said,
I feel like it’s supposed to be Gaethje. It all makes sense. Oliveira fighting for the title. Gaethje has no fight. Poirier fighting with Max Holloway for the BMF title. Me and Justin [don’t] have a fight. So, it makes sense,
—Arman Tsarukyan.
This alignment in the lightweight division comes at a complicated time, as Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight title to pursue the welterweight championship, prompting the UFC to book Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title bout at UFC 317.
Uncertainties in the Lightweight Division and Impact on Fighters
The lightweight division currently faces considerable instability. Justin Gaethje has made it clear that he would retire if his next fight is not a title bout, adding pressure to the UFC’s matchmaking decisions. Dana White must navigate this complex landscape to maintain the division’s momentum and meet contenders’ expectations.
Given these developments, Arman Tsarukyan’s positioning for a comeback fight against Gaethje could significantly influence the title race’s direction. However, with the ongoing turbulence within the lightweight ranks, the pathway back to championship status remains deeply uncertain for fighters like Tsarukyan.
The Larger Significance of Hosting Hype Reality for Tsarukyan and Ferguson
The new hosting roles offer Tsarukyan and Ferguson a notable platform during a transitional period in their fighting careers. For Tsarukyan, who is managing a comeback after injury and UFC setbacks, participation in Hype Reality provides an opportunity to maintain visibility and connect with the MMA fanbase in a fresh format. Likewise, Ferguson’s involvement as a host amid uncertainties surrounding his MMA future underlines his expanding appeal beyond active competition.
With Hype Fighting Championship continuing to rise as a formidable MMA promotion alongside UFC, the association with its reality show not only highlights the fighters‘ versatility but also enhances the promotion’s appeal by featuring well-known stars in influential roles.