Big News from the UFC Front

Arman Tsarukyan's shot at the lightweight title has just slipped through his fingers following his unexpected withdrawal from the UFC 311 main event. UFC CEO Dana White delivered this bombshell during the post-fight press conference, leaving fans and fighters alike pondering Tsarukyan's next move.

Official Statement from Dana White

In an official statement, White said, "He’s going back to the drawing board. I don’t want anybody to fight hurt, ever. We’ve been in these positions before. You miss opportunities sometimes, and he did. We’ll see how this plays out for him next year."

Tsarukyan's Injury and Replacement

The 27-year-old Tsarukyan was set to face reigning champion Islam Makhachev, but he had to pull out on Friday morning due to a back injury, which he deemed significant enough to prevent him from fighting. This last-minute decision caught the UFC off-guard, compelling them to scramble for a replacement. Enter Renato Moicano, who stepped in with only 24 hours' notice, having been scheduled to fight Beneil Dariush on the same card.

Makhachev Defeats Moicano

While Moicano put up a valiant effort, Makhachev submitted him in the first round, successfully defending his title for the fourth time. This win keeps Makhachev on his impressive trajectory, while Tsarukyan is left to reassess and strategize for a shot at championship glory in the future.

Tsarukyan's Career and Future

Before his withdrawal, Tsarukyan had amassed an impressive record of four consecutive victories, and with a professional record of 19 wins and 3 losses, he maintains a reputation as one of the most promising contenders in the lightweight division. He notably faced Makhachev in 2019, losing via a narrow decision that showcased his skill and potential.

Dana White's Firm Stance

Despite still holding the No. 1 contender spot in the UFC’s official lightweight rankings, Dana White confirmed that the promotion isn't planning to give Tsarukyan another shot at the title anytime soon. "He’s not getting the title shot. That means he’s going to have to fight his way back to the title," White asserted firmly.

What’s Next for Tsarukyan?

As Tsarukyan gears up to return to the Octagon, fans are left wondering who he might face next in his quest to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his: a title shot. With his energy and skillset, one thing is for sure: Tsarukyan is not out of the picture yet, and his comeback story could be just around the corner! Keep your eyes peeled for this rising star as he makes his way back into contention!