Dec 2, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Arman Tsarukyan (blue gloves) prior to the fight against Beneil Dariush (red gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports

mma

Arman Tsarukyan Issues Warning To Fellow Lightweights After Dana White Snub

Arman Tsarukyan sends a strong warning to fellow lightweights after being overlooked by Dana White post UFC 311 withdrawal!

Arman Tsarukyan finds himself at a crossroads after being sidelined by Dana White following his UFC 311 pullout. The Armenian fighter, currently ranked #1 in the 155-pound weight class, isn’t taking the setback lightly. Instead, he is issuing a bold challenge to his fellow competitors.

Tsarukyan’s frustration stemmed from being removed from the title picture, but he is turning this obstacle into an opportunity. With a laser-focused attitude, he’s calling out any fighter who dreams of a championship shot, demanding they prove themselves against him first.

“The number one contender has a name, and it’s Arman Tsarukyan. If anyone wants to be the number one contender, they need to fight me—I’m ready and open. Don’t be afraid to say my name. I promise I won’t hit too hard.”

Arman Tsarukyan calls out Charles Oliveira:

"The number one contender has a name, and it's Arman Tsarukyan… I'm ready and open. Don't be afraid to say my name. I promise, I won't hit too hard." 👀

(via IG / @ArmanUfc) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ExwWoakr41
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 24, 2025

The lightweight division is known for its fierce competition and unpredictability, and Tsarukyan is determined to be at the center of the action. His bold statements and unwavering confidence suggest he is not just looking for a fight; he is looking to make a statement that will reshape the division’s landscape.

Arman Tsarukyan further revealed something recently on the JAXXON Podcast. He gave fans a behind-the-scenes estimate of the money he spent on his training camp for Islam Makhachev. Unfortunately, he got injured a day before the fight, and all of it got to waste. The Armenian fighter revealed that about $50-$60 K was spent on his training camo (except coach salary). This significant financial commitment underscored his serious intentions to claim his spot as the champion.

Also Read: No Title Shot For This Fighter As A Visibly Frustrated Dana White Signals Way Back To The Drawing Board

Arman Tsarukyan Willing To Take On Charles Oliveira In A 5-Round Battle

Tsarukyan agreed with UFC CEO Dana White’s take that he had to go back to the drawing board. His strategy to get back in title contention is clear: he wants a five-round battle with Oliveira, whom he believes is the most logical next opponent.

Arman Tsarukyan wants to rematch Charles Oliveira in a 5-round fight after Dana White said he won't be fighting for the title next#UFC311 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/Arvir962GE
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 19, 2025

With Dana White yet to reveal his plans for the lightweight division, Tsarukyan is making sure his voice is heard. He is positioning himself as the gatekeeper, challenging potential contenders to prove their worth by facing him first.

As the UFC weighs its options, Tsarukyan continues to train, invest, and prepare. His message is clear: he’s ready to fight anyone, anywhere, and he’s not going to let a setback define his career. The lightweight division should be on notice: Arman Tsarukyan is coming, and he’s bringing everything he’s got.

(Image Credit: Sergei Belski – Imagn Images)

Arman Tsarukyan

Charles Oliveira

Dana White

Islam Makhachev

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!