Dana White criticizes Tsarukyan: why the UFC contender still lacks a title shot

UFC chief Dana White made it clear again that his attitude towards Arman Tsarukyan is far from ideal right now. After the UFC 327 tournament, he bluntly stated that he was “not enthusiastic” about the fighter, and there are more reasons for this than it seems at first glance.

It was said calmly, but with a clear implication: there were issues within the organization that did not always get into the public field.

Why is Dana White unhappy with Arman Tsarukyan

At the press conference, White did not disclose all the details, but made it clear that this is not just about what fans and the media are discussing. There are also internal reasons that remain behind the scenes.

At the same time, the situation looks paradoxical. Tsarukyan is one of the UFC’s strongest lightweight fighters, he holds onto the second line of the rating and has long deserved to talk about a title fight. But the chance for the belt is still being postponed.

To simplify it, there is now such a set of factors developing around it:

• high rating and stable performances
• lack of a title fight, despite the results
• activity outside the UFC (grappling and wrestling)
• strained relations with the leadership

It is the combination of these moments that makes the situation ambiguous — everything seems to be there, but the key step forward is not happening.

A title fight is nearby, but not for him

Realizing that it can take a long time to wait, Tsarukyan tries to stay as close as possible to the main opportunity. He has already stated that he is ready to become an unofficial backup for the fight between Ilya Topuria and Justin Geigi, which may take place at the summer tournament at the White House.

It looks like a pragmatic step: to be there, to keep fit, and not to miss a chance if it suddenly appears. But White’s reaction shows that desire and willingness alone may not be enough.

As a result, Tsarukyan finds himself in a strange position. He is already at the level of a title contender, but still out of the championship race in the full sense of the word. And while relations with the UFC leadership remain tense, his path to the belt looks not so much long as uncertain.