White says Tsarukyan will have to earn another UFC title shot
Dana White says Arman Tsarukyan will have to fight his way back into contention after the lightweight withdrew from his title fight against Islam Makhachev the day before UFC 311.
“He’s not getting a title shot,” the UFC CEO said on Sunday.
“That means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title.”
The 28-year-old cited a back injury as the reason for his last-minute withdrawal, with No.10 contender Renato Moicano filling his spot in the main event.
Moicano entered his maiden title fight as a $7 underdog across UFC betting sites and lost via submission in the first round.
As for Tsarukyan’s next fight, White declared it was “back to the drawing board” for the Armenian.
“You miss opportunities sometimes and he did,” he said.
“So we’ll see how this plays out for him next year.
“He’s going back to the drawing board.”
Tsarukyan was an underdog on top betting apps before his withdrawal from the UFC 311 main event, having lost to the lightweight champion in their first meeting six years ago.
This led some to question the legitimacy of his injury, but White was not drawn into speculating on the matter.
“I don’t want anybody to ever fight hurt, ever,” he said.
“I have no idea [if he actually could have fought].
“I don’t know that. Only he knows that.
“We’ve been in these positions before.
“Went down there with the doctor, went down there with Heather Linden from the UFC Performance Institute, who you can ask any fighter or anybody else, she’s the best in the world.”
Tsarukyan tweeted his agreement with White, expressing his interest in a fight against Charles Oliveira next.
“I agree with Dana White,” he posted.
“Once my back heals, I’ll be ready to prove I’m the true No.1 contender by taking on anyone they put in front of me!
“Charles Oliveira in a five rounder makes the most sense.”
