Dana White raises his voice and reinforces Arman Tsarukyan's 'neglect' in the UFC: 'He'll have to fight for it'

Arman Tsarukyan is ranked first in the lightweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Dana White doesn't believe Arman Tsarukyan deserves another title shot right now. Despite the Armenian being ranked number one in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) and missing a title shot at UFC 311 due to injury, the UFC president understands that the athlete still needs to justify another opportunity.

In a press conference after UFC 323, the executive made it clear that Tsarukyan has already received an important opportunity and that he will need to earn his place again. According to Dana White, ranking position is not enough to determine who should fight for the belt, and the fighter will have to prove once more that he deserves to return to the top of the division.

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“He had an opportunity… he’s going to have to fight to come back. I don’t care what the number says,” said Dana White.

Arman Tsarukyan is dropped by the UFC.

After Islam Makhachev relinquished the lightweight title and confirmed his move up to welterweight (up to 77kg), Arman Tsarukyan , then ranked number one, was forgotten by the organization. The situation worsened when Ilia Topuria was chosen to fight for the vacant title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025. On that occasion, the Armenian only acted as a reserve and watched from the front row as the Spaniard knocked out the Brazilian.

Months after winning the belt, Topuria announced a break from his career , and once again the UFC sidelined Tsarukyan. With the champion sidelined, the organization decided to create an interim title and scheduled Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to headline UFC 324. The winner will face the undisputed champion to unify the titles, while Tsarukyan awaits a decision on his future in the division.

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