Dana White: Tsarukyan Out of Title Shot After UFC 311, Makhachev Defends Title

Jan 19, 2025, 06:42 AM

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Arman Tsarukyan will not receive the next title shot against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev following his last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 due to a back injury. Tsarukyan, who was originally scheduled to fight Makhachev, informed the UFC that he was unfit to compete, prompting the promotion to replace him with Renato Moicano, who was initially set to face Beneil Dariush. Makhachev successfully defended his title for the fourth time by submitting Moicano with a D’Arce choke in the first round at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. Despite being the No. 1 contender and on a four-fight winning streak, White stated that Tsarukyan must "fight his way back" to earn another title opportunity. White emphasized that fighters should not compete while injured, referencing consultation with Heather Linden from the UFC Performance Institute. Tsarukyan has expressed his willingness to prove himself once his back heals, suggesting a potential fight against Charles Oliveira.