From Title Shot Fumble to Reigniting UFC Career: Arman Tsarukyan’s Rocky Path Back to Dana White’s Good Graces
The fight game can be brutal – not just inside the octagon, but in the business of opportunity. Just ask Arman Tsarukyan, who might be feeling the sting of Dana White’s cold shoulder more than any opponent’s strikes lately.
After squandering a golden title shot opportunity against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, Tsarukyan found himself in the promotion’s doghouse faster than you can say “matchmaking nightmare.” But in the ever-evolving world of MMA, redemption stories often begin with a fighter’s back against the wall.
How Tsarukyan Landed in Dana’s Doghouse
Let’s rewind to what put Arman in this precarious position. When the UFC needed a replacement for Charles Oliveira to face lightweight king Makhachev at UFC 311, Tsarukyan seemed like the logical choice. The rising contender had been vocal about deserving a title shot after stringing together impressive victories.
But when opportunity knocked, something unexpected happened – Tsarukyan didn’t answer with the enthusiasm the UFC brass expected. Reports suggested financial disagreements and preparation time concerns led to a standoff that ultimately saw the title shot slip through his fingers.
Dana White, never one to forget these situations, publicly expressed his disappointment. In the UFC president’s world, when championship opportunities arise, you grab them – questions asked later.
The Road to Redemption Runs Through Dubai
Now, Tsarukyan appears to be plotting his comeback story. I’m hearing he’s campaigning for a spot on the UFC’s upcoming Abu Dhabi card, looking to remind fans and the promotion why he was in the title conversation to begin with.
This strategic move makes perfect sense. The UAE has become a second home for many fighters from Russia and the Caucasus region. The crowds are knowledgeable and appreciative of the grappling-heavy style Tsarukyan brings to the table. A dominant performance there could expedite his journey back to title contention.
Who Makes Sense for Tsarukyan’s Next Fight?
The lightweight division isn’t short on compelling matchups for Arman. Here are the fighters who make the most sense for his comeback bout:
| Potential Opponent | Current Ranking | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Chandler | #6 | High-profile name coming off McGregor cancellation |
| Beneil Dariush | #7 | Technical grappling match between elite wrestlers |
| Mateusz Gamrot | #8 | Rematch of their 2021 Fight of the Night |
Can Tsarukyan Earn Back Dana’s Trust?
The UFC’s history is filled with fighters who have fallen out of favor with Dana White only to climb back into his good graces. Jorge Masvidal, Nate Diaz, and Francis Ngannou all had periods in the doghouse before either reconciling or leveraging their position to advantage.
For Tsarukyan, the path forward is clear: take whatever fight is offered next, make weight without issue, and deliver the kind of performance that makes highlight reels. In fighting, memories can be short when you’re separating opponents from their consciousness.
I believe Arman’s skill set remains elite. His combination of wrestling prowess and improved striking makes him one of the most complete fighters in the division. The question isn’t about ability – it’s about opportunity and timing.
The Lightweight Division Won’t Wait
While Tsarukyan works on repairing his relationship with UFC management, the division continues to evolve. Islam Makhachev is cementing his legacy with each defense, Charles Oliveira remains in the hunt, and hungry contenders like Dustin Poirier aren’t slowing down.
The clock is ticking for Arman. At 27, time is on his side, but in the merciless world of MMA, momentum can vanish as quickly as it builds.
What Fans Are Asking About Tsarukyan’s Situation
The MMA community has been buzzing with questions about Arman’s next move. Let’s address some of the most common ones:
Did Tsarukyan really turn down a title shot or were there legitimate issues?
From what I’ve gathered, there were real concerns about compensation and preparation time. However, in Dana White’s UFC, these explanations often fall on deaf ears when championship opportunities are at stake.
How many wins does Arman need to get back into title contention?
Given the competitive landscape, he likely needs at least two impressive victories over ranked opponents to re-enter the conversation – and the second probably needs to be a title eliminator.
Could we see Tsarukyan vs. Makhachev in 2024?
It’s unlikely unless several contenders ahead of him fall out of contention. The more realistic timeline points to mid-2025 if he strings together the right wins.
The Bigger Picture for UFC Lightweights
Tsarukyan’s situation highlights the delicate dance fighters must perform between self-advocacy and opportunity seizure. The lightweight division has always been the UFC’s deepest, meaning even elite fighters can find themselves several fights away from a title shot after one misstep.
What makes this particular case interesting is how publicly it’s played out. Dana rarely keeps his disappointment private, and when he does single out a fighter, it creates both challenges and opportunities for narrative redemption.
What’s Next for Arman?
Expect an announcement in the coming weeks about Tsarukyan’s next bout. The Abu Dhabi card in October would be perfect timing for him to remind everyone why he was in the title conversation to begin with.
For fight fans, this situation creates the potential for an incredible comeback story. There’s nothing the UFC loves more than a narrative of redemption, especially when it culminates in a championship opportunity that once seemed lost.
Will Arman climb his way back to title contention? I believe he has the skills – now it’s about playing the game both inside and outside the octagon.
What do you think? Does Tsarukyan deserve another fast track to the title, or should he have to work his way back up? Let me know in the comments below!
Source: Vox Media