Dana White Dismisses Tsarukyan’s Title Hopes Despite UFC 317 Backup Role
Alright, so let’s talk about what’s been stirring up the MMA world lately — and that’s Dana White making it absolutely clear that Arman Tsarukyan, despite doing everything right at UFC 317 as the official backup fighter, is not getting the next lightweight title shot.
Now, UFC 317 had all eyes on it. With Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria headlining the event, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Everyone made weight, the energy was electric, and then we got the twist — Christopher Ewert got instantly cut from the UFC after missing weight. But amidst all this chaos, Tsarukyan made the lightweight limit like a pro. Naturally, fans began speculating: does this mean he’s in line for the next shot at the lightweight crown?
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Well, Dana White didn’t waste any time shutting that talk down.
In a direct interview with Helen Yee, when asked if Tsarukyan's successful weigh-in as the backup fighter meant he’d be the next challenger, Dana just said: “No.” That’s it. Cold, blunt, and clear. He did soften it a bit, saying, “It’s a good step in the right direction,” but the message was obvious — making weight alone doesn’t earn you a title shot, at least not in Dana’s UFC.
This has to sting for Tsarukyan. Let’s not forget, this guy beat Oliveira last year and was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 — until a last-minute back injury forced him out. That setback, paired with his scuffle with a fan earlier this year, seems to have pushed him out of favor with the promotion.
Still, Tsarukyan’s trying to do everything right. He’s even offered to serve as backup again for UFC 318, where Dustin Poirier is facing Max Holloway in what could be Poirier’s retirement fight. He’s clearly eager to prove that the weight issues are behind him. But in a stacked lightweight division loaded with big names and fan-favorite matchups, being eager isn’t enough.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about merit or rankings anymore — it’s also about marketability. A fight like Oliveira or Topuria versus someone like Paddy Pimblett or Justin Gaethje? That sells. And unfortunately for Tsarukyan, he's not quite at that level of draw — not yet, at least.
So for now, Arman will be watching from the sidelines as the new lightweight champion is crowned. He’s staying ready, making weight, and showing commitment, but Dana White has made the message crystal clear: you’ve still got more to prove.
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