Arman Tsarukyan agrees with Dana White’s title shot rejection as he names next opponent

On By Littum

After years of impressive performances and numerous victories, Arman Tsarukyan was finally set to fight for the lightweight title at UFC 311 until injury stopped him.

The 28-year-old put together a four-fight winning streak including a win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, where he finally got a shot at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Arman Tsarukyan was finally set to compete for gold at UFC 311, but just hours before the official weigh-in on Friday, he pulled out of 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 place as the pound-for-pound number one.

Despite Tsarukyan being the number 1 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 withdrawal.

READ MORE: Renato Moicano was paid more than Islam Makhachev to save the UFC 311 main event

Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia is seen backstage during the UFC 311 press conference at the Intuit Dome on January 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC

Arman Tsarukyan agrees with Dana White’s title vacation

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 challenger before he gets another opportunity.

Although ‘Ahalkalakets’ is ranked number 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 to reject White’s title shot.

“I agree with Dana White. When my back tilts, I will be ready to prove that I am 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 last April at UFC 300 was an extremely close fight, with Tsarukyan winning a split decision, which divided the fanbase at the time.

Arman Tsarukyan yelled at Michael Chandler

Tsarukyan’s desire for a rematch against ‘Do Bronx’ may not come to fruition, but if Makhachev is to remain at lightweight for his next fight, he will likely rematch the Brazilian.

And with that, the Armenian has been called out by the UFC star, Michael Chandler. ‘Iron’ Mike returned to the Octagon last November at UFC 309 after a long hiatus awaiting the potential return of Conor McGregor.

The all-action lightweight was beaten by Oliveira in their five-round co-main event, which he claimed was the worst he had 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 at X.

“If I can walk, I’ll show up. I’ve fought through 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 and then flew to the airport. Still showed up. Still made weight. Still fought. Real fighters do…” Chandler continued.

However, Tsarukyan shut down Chandler’s callout and seems intent on getting a rematch with ‘Do Bronx’.

“I’m not against it, but fighting someone who beat you twice sounds a lot more convincing,” Tsarukyan replied.

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