TLDR
- Dana White says behind-the-scenes issues are affecting Arman Tsarukyan’s title shot, partly related to his late withdrawal from the Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 311
- Tsarukyan was passed over for the interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 despite being ranked number one
- Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev publicly backed Tsarukyan for a title shot, expressing confusion over the UFC’s matchmaking decision
- Daniel Cormier criticized the UFC’s handling of Tsarukyan, calling him the best lightweight with Makhachev now at welterweight
- Tsarukyan expressed interest in fighting Max Holloway for the BMF title, though that fight is unlikely with Holloway facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 326
Sources: TheMacLife| EssentiallySports | Sportskeeda | EssentiallySports
UFC President Dana White has addressed the growing controversy surrounding Arman Tsarukyan’s missing title shot, revealing that behind-the-scenes issues are affecting the fighter’s path forward. White’s comments came after heavy criticism of the UFC’s decision to book an interim lightweight title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked number one in the lightweight division, was passed over for the interim title opportunity despite his recent dominant victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. The Armenian fighter had been scheduled to face then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 for the lightweight belt.
However, Tsarukyan withdrew from that fight just one day before the event, citing injury. White suggested this late pullout plays a role in the current situation but hinted at additional factors.
“He’s here. You know what I didn’t do? We haven’t cut him, we’re not sideways with him, we don’t dislike him,” White said during an interview with The Mac Life. “It is what it is.”
Dana White on Arman Tsarukyan working his way back to the title:
“Paddy Pimblett layed it out pretty well”
“He’s here. We haven’t cut him, we don’t dislike him. It is what it is. Arman knows how this played out behind the scenes. He knows, we ALL f**king know.”
via @TheMacLife pic.twitter.com/abgFuTNZDw
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) December 11, 2025
White added that there are aspects of the situation that remain private between him and Tsarukyan. “Arman’s a man. He knows how it played out. He knows how it went down behind the scenes,” White explained.
Support from Former Champion Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, who recently moved up to welterweight and captured that division’s title, has publicly backed Tsarukyan for a lightweight title shot. Speaking with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev expressed confusion over the UFC’s decision to create an interim title fight between Gaethje and Pimblett.
Makhachev’s endorsement carries weight as the former lightweight champion who was originally scheduled to face Tsarukyan. The current welterweight champion believes Tsarukyan deserves the opportunity over other contenders in the division.
With Makhachev now competing at welterweight, the lightweight division has seen a shift in its championship picture. The winner of the Pimblett-Gaethje interim title fight is expected to face current champion Ilia Topuria when he returns.
Daniel Cormier Criticizes UFC’s Decision
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier has also weighed in on the situation, criticizing the promotion’s handling of Tsarukyan. Cormier argued that with Makhachev out of the lightweight division, many see Tsarukyan as the best fighter at 155 pounds.
Cormier urged White to make a move that would give Tsarukyan a shot at some version of the UFC lightweight championship. He highlighted that Tsarukyan’s fighting style presents problems for current contenders in the division.
Dana White clarifies there's no bad blood with Arman Tsarukyan 🤝
"You know what I didn't do? We haven't cut him, we're not sideways with him, we don't dislike him."
(Via @TheMacLife) pic.twitter.com/DcmBAD0cJb
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 11, 2025
Tsarukyan has responded to the situation by expressing interest in other opportunities. Speaking on ESPN, he said he hopes the UFC will give him a shot at Max Holloway’s BMF title if a lightweight championship fight isn’t available.
“It’s a business. At the end of the day, I have the same goal. Everybody knows that I will beat everybody, and it’s just [a matter of] time,” Tsarukyan said. “I hope they give me the BMF title at least.”
That fight appears unlikely, as Holloway is scheduled to defend the BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. White’s comments suggest that Tsarukyan’s immediate future in the UFC remains uncertain despite his top ranking in the lightweight division.
