UFC President Dana White suggested that Arman Tsarukyan will likely compete again before summer, offering a sliver of hope for the sidelined lightweight contender after months of frustration at the top of the 155-pound division.
Dana White Drops Hint on Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC Return
Speaking at the UFC 324 post-fight press conference in Las Vegas on Saturday, White addressed whether Tsarukyan might appear on one of the promotion’s upcoming fight cards through March and April. When asked directly about the Armenian’s status, White responded, “Um, off the top of my head, I don’t know. Probably”.
The brief comment represents White’s first positive statement about Tsarukyan since sending him “back to the drawing board” following his controversial withdrawal from UFC 311 in January. Tsarukyan pulled out of his scheduled title rematch against Islam Makhachev less than 24 hours before the event, citing a back injury sustained during his weight cut. The late-notice cancellation forced the UFC to pivot to Renato Moicano as a replacement opponent for Makhachev.
Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot has been marked by setbacks since his breakthrough victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024. After that split decision win, the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him nine months and fined him $25,000 for punching a fan during his walkout. The suspension was later reduced to six months after Tsarukyan completed an anti-bullying public service announcement.
The UFC initially offered Tsarukyan a title fight against Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024, but he declined the short-notice opportunity, seeking a full training camp instead. He was then passed over for the interim title fight at UFC 324, which saw Justin Gaethje defeat Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to claim the interim belt.
At UFC Qatar in November 2025, Tsarukyan defeated Dan Hooker by second-round submission, though the victory was overshadowed by a weigh-in headbutt incident that drew criticism. Hooker’s decision not to press charges or demand punishment allowed the fight to proceed, but the episode added to Tsarukyan’s history of disciplinary issues with the promotion.
White has indicated that the promotion’s matchmakers are currently building fight cards for the historic White House event on June 14, 2026. The card is scheduled for President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and is expected to feature multiple title fights. Tsarukyan’s manager has previously expressed interest in securing a BMF title fight if the undisputed lightweight title remains out of reach.
Current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has not fought since knocking out Oliveira in June 2025 to claim the belt, recently confirmed plans to return between April and June to face the winner of Gaethje versus Pimblett. Topuria holds a perfect 17-0 record and is the promotion’s tenth multi-division champion.
With Justin Gaethje now holding the interim title and positioned for a unification bout with Topuria, Tsarukyan faces an uncertain timeline for his next title opportunity. The 28-year-old contender remains ranked at the top of the lightweight division but must navigate both his recovery and the UFC’s frustration with his recent withdrawal before securing another high-profile fight.
