Dana White puts end to Arman Tsarukyan’s interim title demands; won’t disrupt Islam Makhachev plans

UFC CEO, Dana White shuts down rumors of potential interim lightweight title fight ahead of Islam Makhachev's return to the octagon.

Dana White puts end to Arman Tsarukyan’s interim title demands; won’t disrupt Islam Makhachev plans

Dana White talks about interim title fight before Islam Makhachev's return (Image via Imago)

Islam Makhachev may not fulfill his dream to fight multiple opponents in 2024. Incurring an injury earlier this year has barred him from taking on former opponent, Arman Tsarukyan for his next title defense. However, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the UFC will not create an interim lightweight title while Islam Makhachev recovers from his injury. Here is what happened:

Islam Makhachev’s return to the octagon has been delayed. However, Dana White stated that the UFC will wait for the champion to be ready before scheduling his next fight. The UFC CEO did an interview with Manouk Akopyan on his YouTube channel. There he addressed the rumors of a possible interim title bout, particularly involving Arman Tsarukyan.

Islam’s fought so many times and is always willing to jump up and take a fight. So, no, there won’t be an interim title. When he’s ready to go, we’ll go. We have plans. We’re looking at it right now on when he would fight.
Dana White on Manouk Akopyan YouTube channel

The Dagestani’s next UFC fight was initially planned for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi this October. However, his injury disrupted the anticipated rematch with Arman Tsarukyan, which has now been rescheduled for early 2025. Tsarukyan has accepted the delay but remains focused on eventually securing the lightweight title.

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Additionally, Arman Tsarukyan was handed a nine-month suspension by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for punching a fan at UFC 300. This ban, which could have been reduced to six months with the completion of an anti-bullying PSA, will keep him out of competition until at least January 2025.

The unavailability of Makhachev led to Tsarukyan avoiding the anti-bullying PSA. A six-month reduction would have likely made him eligible to fight in late October. However, the Armenian did not deem it necessary because of the circumstances.

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Dana White speaks on the preparation for UFC 306 at the ‘Sphere’ in Las Vegas

Dana White recently discussed the UFC’s preparations for the highly anticipated Noche UFC 306 event at The Sphere in Las Vegas. The UFC head honcho indicated that everything is on track for the event. White highlighted the significant investments and test runs that have taken place inside the Sphere.

Dana White at the Sphere
Dana White at the Sphere (Image via Shakiel Mahjouri/X)

White emphasized the meticulous planning that has gone into the event. The UFC has already invested millions of dollars to ensure it meets the high expectations set by the venue’s previous events. Speaking to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, White described the initial test runs of the event inside the Sphere. 

I got into this for the stress... I love it. And we’re ready. We’re good to go. It’s just all about rehearsing and making sure it goes off seamlessly... I’m extremely confident. It’s going to be bada**. It really is.
Dana White to the Las Vegas Review-Journal

Despite some uncertainty about how the unique features of the Sphere might affect the fights, White remains confident that the UFC is ready to deliver a spectacular show. The main event features a bantamweight title bout between Sean O’Malley, the current champion, and title contender Merab Dvalishvili. Meanwhile, a highly anticipated women’s flyweight trilogy between Alexa Grasso and former champion Valentina Shevchenko will mark the co-main event.

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