Arman Tsarukyan agrees with Dana White’s title dismissal as he names next opponent
After years of impressive performances and several wins, Arman Tsarukyan was finally set to fight for the lightweight title at UFC 311 until injury halted him.
The 28-year-old put together a four-fight win streak including a win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 which saw him finally given a shot at lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
Arman Tsarukyan was finally set to compete for gold at UFC 311 but hours before the official weigh-ins this past Friday, he withdrew from the fight due to a back injury.
Makhachev went on to fight late replacement Renato Moicano who was already scheduled on the undercard, submitting him in round one, further cementing his spot as pound-for-pound number one.
Despite Tsarukyan being the number-one contender and just days away from his title fight, UFC CEO, Dana White has revealed that he will not fight for the title next following his last-minute pullout.
Arman Tsarukyan agrees with Dana White’s title shot dismissal as he names next opponent
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, the UFC boss was adamant that Tsarukyan would have to ‘go back to the drawing board’ and likely fight in at least one more contender fight before he is awarded another opportunity.
Although ‘Ahalkalakets’ is rank one in the 155lb division, he has only fought three current top 10 fighters, Beneil Dariush, Mateusz Gamrot, and ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira.
With that, there are many immediate options for the Armenian, however, he has his eyes set on one particular fight after agreeing with White’s title shot dismissal.
@CharlesDoBronxs in 5 rounder makes most sense
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025
“I agree with Dana White. Once my back heels, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true number one contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me,” Tsarukyan said on X.
“Charles Oliveira in a 5-rounder makes the most sense,” he continued.
Their first meeting this past April at UFC 300 was an extremely close fight in which Tsarukyan won a split decision, which divided the fanbase at the time.
🚨 Dana White says Arman Tsarukyan will NOT be getting the next title shot, and has to work his way back up to a title fight 😬😬#UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/QuUCrYYIdL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 19, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan called out by Michael Chandler
Tsarukyan’s wish of a rematch against ‘Do Bronx’ may not come to fruition, though, as if Makhachev is to stay at lightweight for his next fight, he will likely rematch the Brazilian.
And with that, the Armenian has been called out by UFC star, Michael Chandler. ‘Iron’ Mike returned to the Octagon this past November at UFC 309 after a long hiatus waiting for Conor McGregor’s potential return.
The all-action lightweight was beaten by Oliveira in their five-round co-main event which he claimed was the worst he’s ever been beaten in his career.
“You don’t show up, you don’t get a shot. Beat me if you can, @ArmanUFC,” Chandler tweeted on X.
“If I can walk, I’ll show up. I’ve fought through an injury in 90% of my fights. We all do. Never missed weight. Never pulled out of a fight in my career.
“I flew to Sioux Falls, SD 96 hours before a fight to get 12 injections in my spine to then fly to the flight location. Still showed up. Still made weight. Still fought. Real fighters do…” Chandler continued.
I flew to Sioux Falls, SD 96 hours before a fight to get 12 injections in my spine to then fly to the fight location. Still showed up. Still made weight. Still fought. Real fighters do…
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) January 19, 2025
However, Tsarukyan shut down Chandler’s callout and seems hellbent on getting a rematch with ‘Do Bronx’.
“I’m not against it, but fighting someone who beat you twice sounds way more compelling,” Tsarukyan replied.