UFC Loyalist Jon Anik Calls Out Unfair Treatment from Dana White towards Arman Tsarukyan

UFC veteran commentator Jon Anik talks about Dana White ignoring Arman Tsarukyan in the lightweight title race.

UFC Loyalist Jon Anik Calls Out Unfair Treatment from Dana White towards Arman Tsarukyan

Jon Anik talks about Arman Tsarukyan and Dana White (via X)

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The UFC lightweight division is widely regarded as one of the most competitive divisions, packed with contenders constantly aiming for a title shot. Among these fighters, Arman Tsarukyan has emerged as one of the most dominant competitors with a five-fight winning streak.

However, many fans and experts believe the UFC’s top brass has repeatedly neglected Tsarukyan despite his impressive performances. Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 for the lightweight championship. However, due to a last-minute injury, the fighter had to pull out, and since then, he has not been given another title opportunity. 

UFC CEO Dana White has often publicly ignored Arman Tsarukyan and recently mentioned that the Armenian will have to wait. In a recent interview, UFC commentator Jon Anik talked about the situation and mentioned how this whole situation is absurd. 

I think most of the fanbase would agree with me that Arman Tsarukyan looks like the best, most complete lightweight in the world. Only Hunter, Dana, and a few selected individuals know exactly what happened before UFC 311. Yes, I do believe he’s being treated unfairly.

Jon Anik via The Jaxxon Podcast 

Following UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan did everything possible to impress UFC officials, showing professionalism and commitment toward fighting. He made weight as backup for the Ilia Topuria versus Charles Oliveira lightweight title fight scheduled at UFC 317. Later, he defeated rising contender Dan Hooker via submission, firmly confirming his elite status among lightweight division contenders.

Nevertheless, all that didn’t give him the interim title shot, which is currently scheduled between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje will take on the Scouser in the main event of the first-ever UFC-Paramount card, which has high expectations.  When this fight was announced for UFC 324, many fans criticized UFC and Dana White for making such decisions and ignoring Tsarukyan.

There are reports that maybe White didn’t want to have wrestling heavy fighters for the event as it is an introduction of UFC to a wider audience. Nevertheless, it seems like the Armenian already had an idea about this and is busy with his grappling matches.

Arman Tsarukyan gets praised by Sharaputdin Magomedov following their grappling contest 

Throughout 2025, Arman Tsarukyan remained extremely active in grappling competition, frequently testing his skills outside MMA against elite opposition. The lightweight contender competed in five separate grappling matches during the year, winning most bouts and strengthening his reputation. One highlight saw Tsarukyan face former UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson, and submitted him.

Arman Tsarukyan gets praised for his grappling
Arman Tsarukyan gets praised for his grappling (via X)

He later accepted a grappling clash with popular middleweight Sharaputdin Magomedov, creating intrigue due to the size differences between them. The match went viral after Tsarukyan slammed the larger opponent, demonstrating strength before the contest ended in a draw officially without a winner.

Despite the draw, the exchange fueled online discussion, highlighting Tsarukyan’s grappling confidence against heavier fighters from different weight class backgrounds. Recently, the Dagestani addressed the bout publicly, acknowledging intensity and competitiveness. 

I took him down once, and he took me down twice, correct? But Arman has a good gas tank, you have to give him credit, he’s got good cardio. 

Sharaputdin Magomedov via Red Corner MMA 

However, Shara Bullet mentioned that the size difference was a myth, as on the fight night, Arman Tsarukyan was slightly heavier than him. Following the bout, the Armenian was asked about a potential grappling clash with Islam Makhachev, but he declined due to financial impracticality. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see when Tsarukyan finally gets his opportunity to fight for the light belt in UFC.

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