In a dramatic turn of events at UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan’s championship aspirations have been abruptly halted by a combination of a back injury and Dana White’s unequivocal stance.
🚨 Dana White says Arman Tsarukyan will NOT be getting the next title shot, and has to work his way back up to a title fight 😬😬#UFC311 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/QuUCrYYIdL
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 19, 2025
The Injury That Changed Everything
Tsarukyan’s hopes of challenging lightweight champion Islam Makhachev were dashed when he withdrew from the main event just hours before the fight. On Friday morning, the Armenian fighter notified UFC officials that he was unfit to compete due to a back injury. This last-minute withdrawal forced the promotion to make a quick replacement, bringing in Renato Moicano on just over 24 hours’ notice to face Makhachev.
The replacement bout proved decisive, with Makhachev submitting Moicano in the first round, successfully defending his title for the fourth time. For Tsarukyan, the consequences extend far beyond a single missed opportunity.
Dana White’s Definitive Ruling
At the post-fight press conference, Dana White delivered a crushing blow to Tsarukyan’s title hopes. “He’s going back to the drawing board,” White stated firmly. Despite Tsarukyan being the No. 1 contender in the UFC’s official lightweight rankings and boasting an impressive 9-1 record since his 2019 loss to Makhachev, White was resolute.
When pressed by reporters, White doubled down on his position: “He’s not getting the title shot, that means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title.” The UFC CEO emphasized the importance of fighter health, noting, “I don’t want anybody to fight hurt, ever.”
Tsarukyan’s situation is particularly frustrating given his recent success. He was on a four-fight winning streak and had been viewed as the most logical next challenger for Makhachev. The competitive nature of their previous 2019 bout had only heightened expectations for a potential rematch.
The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of professional mixed martial arts, where a single injury can derail years of preparation and momentum. For Tsarukyan, the road back to a title shot now appears longer and more challenging, with White’s comments suggesting he’ll need to prove himself all over again in the highly competitive lightweight division.
As the dust settles on UFC 311, Tsarukyan faces a critical moment in his career. The path to redemption will require patience, continued success, and potentially an exceptional performance to change White’s mind and reignite his championship aspirations.
