Arman Tsarukyan recently addressed UFC President Dana White’s comments about his last-minute withdrawal from the UFC 311 main event against Islam Makhachev. Tsarukyan, who pulled out due to a severe back injury, has faced criticism and speculation about the seriousness of his condition.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Arman Tsarukyan clarified the extent of his injury, stating, “Maybe a doctor told him I could fight, I don’t know… I wanted to be in this fight more than anyone. Even if I lost but looked good… I could have made good money, but I couldn’t walk.” Tsarukyan emphasized that his injury was severe enough to prevent him from even walking, let alone competing in a high-stakes fight.
Arman Tsarukyan on Dana White's reaction to him not fighting at UFC 311:
"Maybe a doctor told him I could fight, I don't know… I wanted to be in this fight more than anyone. Even if I lost but looked good… I could have made good money, but I couldn't walk." pic.twitter.com/gGD0m8D1PM
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 20, 2025
Arman Tsarukyan opens up on his Back Injury
Arman Tsarukyan explained that his back issues began during the weight-cut process and that painkillers provided no relief. “Wednesday after training, I went to sleep, and I started to feel my lower back, and I couldn’t sleep all night and thought something happened. I took some painkiller, but it didn’t help. The next day, I thought it’s going to be good, and after the press conference, I’m going to start my weight cut. And when I started my weight cut, I was doing the bike, and like, that moment, my back was stuck, and I couldn’t move.”
Despite the setback, Arman Tsarukyan remains determined to prove himself as a top contender. He agreed with White’s statement that he would need to earn his title shot again and proposed a potential fight with Charles Oliveira to demonstrate his worthiness.
The MMA community continues to debate the circumstances surrounding Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, but his honest and detailed explanation has shed light on the severity of his injury. As he focuses on recovery, fans eagerly await his return to the octagon and the opportunity to see him compete at full strength.