Sidelined by Dana White, Arman Tsarukyan reveals negotiations for a return to the UFC.

Tsarukyan promotes RAF event. Photo: Press Release/X/RAF

Very active in grappling competitions recently, Arman Tsarukyan continues to seek ways to realize his dream of competing for the UFC title. In an interview with 'Red Corner MMA' last Thursday (12), the second-ranked lightweight (up to 70,3 kg) revealed that he has advanced talks with Hunter Campbell to make his return to the world's most famous octagon official.

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Although he didn't give details about when he will compete again, Tsarukyan revealed that his relationship with Dana White is basically nonexistent. While he assured that there is no feud, the fighter said he was confused by the UFC CEO's recent statements in the media.

“I don’t know why Dana White speaks ill of me. But I have no problems with them or any issues behind the scenes. I’m in negotiations with Hunter. He’s responsible for scheduling the fights. I have nothing to say to Dana, I need to ask Hunter for a fight. We talked this morning and he gave me a date for my next fight,” stated the Armenian.

🚨👀 BREAKING!!!

Arman Tsarukyan reveals the UFC gave him a date for his next fight pic.twitter.com/U8faH5etfg

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 12, 2026

Tsarukyan withdrew from the UFC fight when he was scheduled to fight for the title.

Face-off between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan (Photo: Reproduction/YouTube)

One of the world's top fighters, Arman Tsarukyan 's career was set to peak with a lightweight title fight (up to 70,3 kg) at UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev in early 2025. However, the Armenian was forced to withdraw from the card just hours before the weigh-in after feeling the effects of a back injury sustained during the weight cut. From that moment on, he was overlooked by matchmakers for title fights in the division. Since then, he has been surpassed by names like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the challenger spot, and was also ignored in the BMF title fight.

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