Arman Tsarukyan Alleges Dana White & Co.’s Fear Behind UFC Title Shot Delay

In the world of the UFC, talent is supposed to guarantee opportunity, but Arman Tsarukyan believes a different factor is keeping him from a title shot: fear within the front office. Despite being the No. 1-ranked lightweight contender last year, the Armenian was snubbed for a shot at the title. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the interim lightweight title shot was then handed over to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, fighters who were further down the rankings from him.

So, why the step-motherly treatment from Dana White and the rest of the UFC brass? Speaking on the Full Send Podcast, ‘Ahalkalakets’ laid out his theory.

“They worry about that I’m going to get the title and leave UFC,” Tsarukyan said. “But where am I going to [go] if I become a champion? So I want to be the best in the UFC and to be with that company because they built me and I appreciate that they signed me and made me a star, and they gave me good fights, main events. I want to be a champion. I want to break records in our lightweight division, defend as much as possible.

“Islam did four, I want to do five or six, and then we’ll see. I’m not young anymore, too, I’m 29, so I have maybe six, seven years. I’ve got to make a lot of money, be a champion, be the best fighter in the world, and then, yeah, I can leave.”

The wait has been a long one for Arman Tsarukyan. However, according to Dana White, there are a few reasons why the UFC has seemingly sidelined the Armenian. Last year, Tsarukyan pulled out of a scheduled lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev just a few days before the bout, a decision that complicated his standing with the promotion. Then there was the time when he struck a fan at UFC 300. On top of that, at UFC Qatar last year, he headbutted his opponent, Dan Hooker, during the final face-off, nearly derailing the event. And more recently, he was involved in a post-match brawl with Georgio Poullas at an RAF wrestling event.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals UFC is concerned he might leave after winning the title

“They’re worried that I’m going to get the title and leave the UFC, but where am I going to leave if I become champion? I want to be the best in the UFC and stay with the company because they… pic.twitter.com/CU7Mv1XwtQ

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 9, 2026

Despite the antics, however, Dana White has already clarified that he does not “dislike” the Russian-Armenian. In fact, he revealed that the UFC offered him a strong contract, something Tsarukyan himself has acknowledged. While sidelined, he also stayed active outside the Octagon, competing in Real American Freestyle Wrestling events and building his profile among Western audiences through collaborations with streamers. Dana White has since acknowledged the activity positively.

“I like what Arman’s been doing, keeping himself active,” said Dana White on the Adin Ross live stream.

But activity has not translated into opportunity. Whether the hold-up is strategic, contractual, or related to his behavior is less clear at this point. For his part, the 29-year-old has indicated he intends to change his approach. He has continued competing outside the UFC, going five wins and one draw across six wrestling and grappling appearances under HYPE, RAF, and ACBJJ. He is now scheduled to face UFC veteran Urijah Faber in an RAF wrestling match next week.