After years of impressive performances and several victories, Arman Tsarukyan was finally ready to fight for the lightweight title at UFC 311, until an injury stopped him.
The 28-year-old put together a four-fight win streak, including a victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, in which he finally got a shot at lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Arman Tsarukyan was finally set to compete for gold at UFC 311, but hours before the official weigh-in last Friday he pulled out of the fight due to a back injury.
Makhachev went on to fight late replacement Renato Moicano, who was already on the undercard, landing him in the first round and further cementing his spot as pound-for-pound number one.
Despite Tsarukyan being the number one contender and just days away from his title fight, UFC CEO Dana White has revealed he will not fight for the title following his last-minute withdrawal.
READ MORE: Renato Moicano Got Paid More Than Islam Makhachev For Saving The UFC 311 Main Event
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Arman Tsarukyan agrees with Dana White's firing
Unfortunately for the 28-year-old, the UFC boss was adamant that Tsarukyan would have to go 'back to the drawing board' and likely fight at least one more contender before he gets another chance.
Although 'Ahalkalakets' is ranked number one in the 155lb division, he has only fought three current top 10 fighters, Beneil Dariush, Mateusz Gamrot and 'Do Bronx' Oliveira.
That leaves many immediate options for the Armenian, but he has his eyes on one specific fight after agreeing to reject White's title shot.
“I agree with Dana White. Once I'm on my heels, I'm ready to prove that I'm the real number one candidate by taking on whoever they put in front of me,” Tsarukyan said on X.
“Charles Oliveira in a five-rounder makes the most sense,” he continued.
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Their first meeting last April at UFC 300 was an extremely exciting fight in which Tsarukyan won a split decision, dividing the fanbase at the time.
Arman Tsarukyan called by Michael Chandler
Tsarukyan's wish of a rematch against 'Do Bronx' may not come true, but as if Makhachev wants to stay at lightweight for his next fight, he will likely face the Brazilian again.
And with that, the Armenian is called up by UFC star Michael Chandler. 'Iron' Mike returned to the Octagon at UFC 309 last November after a long hiatus awaiting the possible return of Conor McGregor.
The all-action lightweight was defeated by Oliveira in their five-round co-main event, which he claimed was the worst he has ever been defeated in his career.
'You don't show up, you don't get a chance. Beat me if you can, @ArmanUFC,” Chandler tweeted on X.
“If I can walk, I'll show up. I've fought through injury in 90% of my fights. We all do that. Never missed weight. I've never backed out of a fight in my career.
“I flew to Sioux Falls, SD 96 hours before a fight to get 12 injections in my spine and then fly to the flight location. Still appeared. Still gaining weight. Still fighting. Real fighters do that…” Chandler continued.
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However, Tsarukyan shut down Chandler's call and seems determined to get a rematch with 'Do Bronx'.
“I'm not against it, but fighting someone who has beaten you twice sounds much more compelling,” Tsarukyan replied.
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