Arman Tsarukyan had the opportunity to fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the UFC title at UFC 311. However, the Armenian had to pull out at the very last moment due to a back injury. Now, it seems like he has lost his title privilege and CEO Dana White didn’t miss the opportunity to convey it.
During the post-fight presser at UFC 311, White was asked about what’s next for Arman Tsarukyan. While responding, White brutally revealed that the top contender will have to earn his contention again. Tsarukyan in a tweet agreed to the punishment and promised to get back stronger than ever.Â
I agree with @danawhite. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true #1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me!
Arman Tsarukyan via XÂ
Tsarukyan gave Islam Makhachev his credit for the win and called out former champion Charles Oliveira for a five-round title eliminator. Their first fight was close and many wanted to see the two fight again. However, it seems like ‘Do Bronx’ has made up his mind that he’s next in line for the title clash.
🚨 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
I agree with @danawhite. Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true #1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me! https://t.co/LAI2khcxCX
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025
@CharlesDoBronxs in 5 rounder makes most sense
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) January 19, 2025
Tsarukyan also got a call-out from top lightweight Michael Chandler, who recently lost to Oliveira at UFC 309. The Armenian star was quick to respectfully decline the opportunity. Going forward, it would be interesting to see what’s next for the fighter given his unreliability for UFC.Â
Veteran wants UFC to make Arman Tsarukyan fight Islam Makhachev nextÂ
Islam Makhachev picked up his fourth successful title defense this weekend after he defeated Renato Moicano via submission. It was a dominant performance as the Dagestani didn’t take much time defeating a #10 ranked fighter. It was yet another BJJ black belt, who got submitted by Makhachev in the last few years.
Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan to fight again (via X)Many fans had high hopes for Arman Tsarukyan due to his wrestling pedigree. Given their first fight, which was close, the Armenian had the confidence to pick up an upset. Now that Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan is not next in line, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen thinks otherwise.Â
There’s really nobody that can compete with Islam. We can either take Islam out of the weight class, he’s already getting called out by Ilia Topuria, he personally calling out 170. But ultimately, we gotta find a way to work with Tsarukyan.
Chael Sonnen via ESPN MMAÂ
Ilia Topuria has been calling out Islam Makhachev for a long time now but the pound-for-pound king hasn’t shown interest. Aiming for the double champion status, however, is the ultimate dream for Makhachev. It is safe to say that all these dynamics have made things extremely entertaining for the fight fans.
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