TLDR
- Dana White praised Arman Tsarukyan’s recent self-promotion work after previously saying he wasn’t thrilled with the fighter
- Tsarukyan withdrew from his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev just one day before the event in January 2025
- The lightweight contender has fought only once since, submitting Dan Hooker in November at UFC Fight Night 265
- Tsarukyan predicts Makhachev will retire in one or two fights and expects to become the ‘face of UFC’ afterward
- The 29-year-old promises to sign any UFC contract offered and is willing to fight anyone in the top five
Sources: mmajunkie.usatoday.com | mmafighting.com
UFC CEO Dana White has changed his tone about lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, praising the fighter’s recent efforts to promote himself outside the octagon.
“I like what Arman’s been doing,” White said during a live stream with Adin Ross. “He’s kept himself active, getting himself out there.”
The comments mark a shift from White’s previous stance. Not long ago, the UFC CEO publicly stated he wasn’t thrilled with Tsarukyan, citing “a lot of different reasons” for his concerns about the fighter.
Tsarukyan has stayed busy competing in grappling matches and creating promotional content with social media personality Nina Drama. He has also appeared on popular streamers’ channels to build his brand.
White even shared a story about running into Tsarukyan in Las Vegas. “I’m at the red light getting ready to pull out and someone is screaming at me and there’s a Rolls Royce next to me and it’s Arman in a Rolls Royce,” White said.
🚨 Arman Tsarukyan says Islam Makhachev could retire after 1-2 more UFC fights 😳
“Islam is gonna retire I think in two fights. One-two fights, he’s gone." pic.twitter.com/4uJZAwlylf
— Razed MMA (@RazedFighting) April 9, 2026
Long Road Back From UFC 311 Withdrawal
Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot hit a major setback when he withdrew from UFC 311 just one day before the event. He was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship in January 2025.
The 29-year-old has fought just once since that withdrawal. He submitted Dan Hooker in the first round at UFC Fight Night 265 last November.
Makhachev has since vacated the lightweight title and moved up to welterweight, where he defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become a two-division champion. Tsarukyan believes his potential rival won’t compete much longer.
“He’s going to retire I think in two fights,” Tsarukyan told Full Send MMA. “One, two fights, he’s done. But me, I’m going to take over this sport in one year.”
Title Ambitions and Championship Goals
Tsarukyan said he wants to become the “face of UFC” once he wins the lightweight championship. He dismissed concerns that he might leave the promotion after winning a title.
“Where am I going to go if I become a champion?” Tsarukyan asked. “I want to be the best in the UFC and to be with that company because they built me.”
The Armenian fighter has set his sights on breaking Makhachev’s lightweight title defense record. Makhachev defended the belt four times before moving to welterweight.
“Islam did four, I want to do five or six, and then we’ll see,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m not young anymore, too, I’m 29, so I have maybe six, seven years.”
Tsarukyan frequently displays his wealth on social media, suggesting he doesn’t rely on fight purses for income. However, he plans to negotiate harder for money once he becomes champion.
“Right now, yes, but when I’m going to be champion, I’m going to ask for big money,” he said. “My goal was champion and then I’m going to make money, to build a legacy, take care of my family.”
The contender said he has never given UFC matchmakers trouble when booking fights. He claims he doesn’t argue about pay or choice of opponents.
Tsarukyan promised to sign any contract the UFC offers him. “If they tell me, ‘OK, Arman, you’ve got to fight one more time,’ OK, I’ll fight,” he said.
White warned Tsarukyan to avoid trouble despite his positive comments. “Arman needs to not be a maniac when he shows up to the event,” White said. “I like Arman.”
Tsarukyan is scheduled to face UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber in a wrestling match at RAF 8 in Philadelphia on April 18. He continues waiting for the UFC to send him a fight contract for his next octagon appearance.
