Dana White on Tsarukyan: “Right now I’m not thrilled with Arman.”

UFC president Dana White stated that he is dissatisfied with Arman Tsarukyan following recent events surrounding the fighter. He told reporters about it after UFC 326 in Las Vegas, where the main event saw Charles Oliveira defeat Max Holloway — the Brazilian captured the BMF title.

Tsarukyan was also present at the event and appeared in the arena wearing handcuffs, hinting that he is being “kept away from fights.”

After the tournament, journalists asked Dana White about the recent developments involving the fighter, including the scandal at the RAF 06 event, where a conflict occurred involving Tsarukyan.

Dana White’s reaction

According to the UFC president, he was not pleased with the actions of the Armenian-Russian fighter.

“Yes, I saw it, and I didn’t like it. Right now I’m not thrilled with Arman, and there are many different reasons for that. It’s not just about what you see,” White said.

At the same time, White emphasized that the fight that broke out at the RAF tournament is not directly his problem.

“That fight that night was someone else’s problem, not mine.”

When White was asked to clarify what other reasons caused his dissatisfaction with Tsarukyan, he refused to reveal the details.

“I can’t say.”

Ban on participation in grappling tournaments?

Journalists also asked whether the UFC is considering restricting its fighters from participating in outside grappling competitions after this incident.

White responded that he does not see a need for that.

“No, of course not. There are many guys who compete in grappling and do it respectfully. I understand that the two of them had disagreements, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And Arman has been producing a little too much smoke lately.”

What’s next for Tsarukyan?

Earlier, Tsarukyan said he had been negotiating with UFC management, particularly with the organization’s Chief Operating Officer Hunter Campbell.

However, after Charles Oliveira’s victory over Max Holloway and the changes in the lightweight title race, White did not comment on Tsarukyan’s potential next opponent.

“I don’t know. I’m not thrilled with Arman right now. The lightweight division is very hot right now and we have many options, but we’ll find a place for Tsarukyan.”

White did not specify when Tsarukyan will return to the octagon or who his next opponent will be.