Arman Tsarukyan Announces UFC Fight Date Amidst Ongoing Dispute with Dana White
Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has publicly stated that the Ultimate Fighting Championship has provided him with a scheduled date for his next octagon appearance. This development comes despite a notably strained relationship between the Armenian fighter and UFC president Dana White, who has openly expressed dissatisfaction with Tsarukyan's recent conduct.
White's Public Criticism and Matchmaking Oversight
During a recent press conference, Dana White addressed Tsarukyan's contentious situation within the promotion. "We'll get Arman figured out," White remarked. "I'm not thrilled with Arman right now, and there are multiple reasons for that; it's not just the public incidents you've witnessed. Where there's smoke, there's fire, and Arman has been generating considerable smoke lately." White pointedly declined to elaborate further on the specific issues behind his displeasure.
The UFC president also referenced a post-fight brawl that erupted following Tsarukyan's grappling victory against Georgio Poullas on February 28. Although Tsarukyan won the bout via decision, he took exception to Poullas's tactics during the contest, accusing him of illegal slaps. The confrontation escalated when Tsarukyan punched Poullas immediately after the final bell, sparking a chaotic scene. "Yeah, I don't love it, I don't love it," White commented on the incident. "That night, it was someone else's problem to handle—not mine. That's all I have to say on that matter."
Tsarukyan's Response and Negotiation Channels
In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Tsarukyan responded to White's criticisms and clarified his communication lines with the UFC hierarchy. "I don't understand why Dana is speaking negatively about me, but I have no issues with the UFC organization or any behind-the-scenes problems," the 29-year-old fighter stated. He emphasized that he does not negotiate directly with White, instead working with UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell on matchmaking matters.
"There's no point in addressing Dana directly because I don't negotiate with him," Tsarukyan explained. "I am in discussions with Hunter Campbell, as he oversees the matchmaking process. Dana likely approves all fight-related decisions, but the actual matchmakers are Sean Shelby and Hunter. Therefore, I have nothing to say to Dana. I needed to request a fight from Hunter, and we spoke this morning. He gave me a date for my next fight."
Recent Career Context and Ranking Position
Arman Tsarukyan's most recent UFC performance was a submission victory over Dan Hooker in November, which solidified his position as the number one contender in the lightweight division. However, that bout occurred nearly eighteen months after his previous UFC appearance, a narrow points win against former champion Charles Oliveira.
Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025 but withdrew on just one day's notice, citing a back injury. White has since hinted that this last-minute withdrawal contributed to his frustrations with the fighter. Additionally, many fans believe Tsarukyan's weigh-in headbutt on Dan Hooker prior to their November fight further damaged his standing with the promotion.
Following Tsarukyan's withdrawal, Islam Makhachev defended his title against short-notice replacement Renato Moicano before vacating the lightweight belt. Makhachev then moved up to welterweight, capturing that division's title with a dominant victory over Jack Della Maddalena in November.
Lightweight Title Picture and Upcoming Events
The UFC lightweight championship was claimed by Ilia Topuria in June, when he knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round to seize the vacated title. Topuria has not competed since that victory, but his highly anticipated return is set for June 14 at an unprecedented UFC event held at the White House, where he will defend his belt against Justin Gaethje.
Despite being the top-ranked contender, Tsarukyan was overlooked for January's interim-title fight, which saw Justin Gaethje dominate Paddy Pimblett to earn the shot at Topuria. This snub has added another layer to the ongoing saga between the fighter and the promotion's leadership.
In the meantime, Tsarukyan has remained active in grappling competitions, most recently choking former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev unconscious during a midweek event. As the UFC lightweight division continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Tsarukyan's next official bout date and whether it can mend the frosty relations with Dana White.
