Dana White’s Polarizing Plan to Ignore Arman Tsarukyan ‘Worked Out’, Claims Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier believes Dana White had more futuristic ambitions over Arman Tsarukyan being snubbed for the lightweight title shot.

Dana White’s Polarizing Plan to Ignore Arman Tsarukyan ‘Worked Out’, Claims Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier reveals Dana White's actual reason for snubbing Arman Tsarukyan (via Bleacher Report, MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Dana White's decision to exclude Arman Tsarukyan from a title shot is linked to disciplinary issues and a broader promotional strategy.
  • Daniel Cormier believes the UFC's focus on American fighters for the White House event justified Tsarukyan's absence.
  • Tsarukyan remains active outside the UFC, maintaining visibility through collaborations and promotional efforts.

Dana White has built a reputation as a strict UFC executive known for his no-nonsense stance on fighter conduct. That approach was reflected in Arman Tsarukyan being passed over for a title shot due to disciplinary concerns. Despite his ranking, the promotion moved forward with other contenders. However, UFC legend Daniel Cormier believes there may be a deeper reason behind the UFC CEO’s decision.

White’s distrust toward Tsarukyan began at UFC 300 when he punched a fan during his walkout, resulting in a nine-month suspension. The incident raised concerns about his professionalism at a landmark event. He later withdrew from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 due to a back injury. Most recently, Tsarukyan risked further issues after headbutting Dan Hooker at their weigh-in faceoff.

As a result, the Armenian lightweight was left out of the interim title fight at UFC 324 despite being the No. 1 contender. The bout featured Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, with Gaethje winning by unanimous decision. Tsarukyan’s absence further delayed his return to title contention. Cormier later suggested the UFC instead aimed to position champion Ilia Topuria for a superfight at the White House.

Paddy Pimblett won, you had a star that was gonna go fight Ilia Topuria for the belt. Justin Gaethje won; now you have an American guy holding a portion of a title with a fight at the White House that is going to happen in June, around Fourth of July weekend. It was a no-lose situation, and now, honestly, I don’t know how we missed it. Now, it kind of makes sense, because now that Gaethje has the belt, you got an American guy holding an American title going into the White House. It worked.

Daniel Cormier via YouTube

This was not the first time Cormier suggested possible American influence around the proposed UFC White House event, given its significance. He has referenced the value of featuring prominent American champions on such a card. DC also backed Jon Jones for consideration despite concerns about past reliability. The discussion focused on Jones’ stature and American heritage, fitting the event’s national setting.

Despite missing out on the title fight, Tsarukyan has remained active outside the UFC by competing under the RAF banner. He has also stayed visible through a steady promotional run beyond the Octagon. In recent months, he has collaborated with streamers and popular influencers across digital platforms. These appearances have presented a more measured public image while keeping him relevant in the UFC.

Cormier’s assessment aligns with speculation surrounding the UFC’s plans for the White House event. Recent reports have linked a potential lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje to the card. Such a matchup would carry major promotional value given the setting and stakes. In that context, Dana White’s exclusion of Arman Tsarukyan appears tied to a broader strategy rather than rankings alone.

Dana White reveals major news for Zuffa Boxing

Dana White has long aimed to make a major impact in professional boxing through Zuffa Boxing. The promotion is his plan to modernize the sport under a centralized model like the UFC. Its inaugural event, Zuffa Boxing 01, drew modest attention and limited commercial success. White has now announced the first official title fight in the promotion’s history.

Dana White's Zuffa Boxing's next plan
Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing’s next plan (via X)

White recently revealed that Zuffa Boxing’s first world title fight will feature undefeated cruiserweight Jai Opetaia against challenger Brandon Glanton. The bout is set for March 8, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas and will crown the promotion’s inaugural Cruiserweight World Champion. The fight will be streamed live on Paramount+, marking a major step in Zuffa Boxing’s expansion.

Dana White’s announcement of the first Zuffa Boxing title fight marks a pivotal moment for the promotion as it seeks to establish itself in professional boxing. He has previously promised to improve the organization’s reach, events, and fighter opportunities moving forward. The Opetaia vs. Glanton matchup could signal the start of a more ambitious chapter for Zuffa Boxing.

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