UFC president Dana White has made blunt comments about lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, admitting he does not care about the fighter's number one ranking after he was overlooked for a title shot. Tsarukyan, who defeated Dan Hooker in November, had been expected to challenge for the belt, but instead Paddy Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for an interim title in January.
White told reporters at the UFC 323 post-fight press conference that Tsarukyan had his chance and blew it. 'I wouldn't say that he is the odd man out. He had an opportunity, and you guys know how that played out,' White said, referencing Tsarukyan's late withdrawal from a January 2025 title fight against Islam Makhachev due to a back injury, amid rumours of weight-cut struggles.
White added: 'He's gonna have to work his way back. I don't give a s*** what the number says. ... You can't get the opportunity and then ... it can't end that way.' The UFC boss also noted that Tsarukyan's pre-fight headbutt of Hooker at the weigh-in did not help his cause. Tsarukyan must now prove himself again to secure another title opportunity.
The situation is complicated further by champion Ilia Topuria's decision to take a break from MMA due to personal reasons. Topuria, who holds a grudge against Pimblett over alleged anti-Georgian tweets, had a run-in with the Liverpudlian in Qatar before Tsarukyan's win over Hooker. Tsarukyan and Topuria also have a feud, stemming from a backstage video posted by the champion.
