Jon Anik believes that the UFC is treating Arman Tsarukyan unfairly, and that he should not have been denied a title shot.
After defeating Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, ‘Ahalkalakets’ called lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. However, ‘El Matador’ announced a hiatus from fighting due to personal reasons, and the promotion announced an interim 155-pound title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
Tsarukyan’s desire to fight for the title again was denied as he withdrew from his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev in 2025. According to reports, ‘Ahalkalakets’ withdrew due to a back injury he suffered while cutting weight. However, some fans think he hurt his back while recording a vlog with Nina-Marie Daniele, while others think he couldn’t gain weight and therefore withdrew, citing a back injury as an excuse.
Following the withdrawal, Tsarukyan has tried to get back into the promotion’s good graces by doing everything he can. But his efforts seem insufficient. However, Dana White and Tsarukyan have reaffirmed that their relationship is not under strain, and the 29-year-old knows why he wasn’t given a second title shot.
An interim title fight without the number one contender is unfair, and Jon Anik also supports that. On the JAXXON podcasthe said:
“I think most fans would agree with me that Arman Tsarukyan looks like the best, most complete lightweight in the world. But only Hunter, Dana and a few select individuals know exactly what happened before UFC 311. Depending on who you ask, it was weight-cut related or injury-related or whatever it may be. The story keeps spinning and the Dan Hooker fight went from being a title eliminator. The world is unfair, and yes, I do believe he is. [Arman Tsarukyan] treated unfairly.”
Check out Jon Anik’s comments below:
Arman Tsarukyan’s comments after not getting a title shot in 2026
Recently, Arman Tsarukyan stated in an interview that even before his UFC Qatar fight, he knew that Paddy Pimblett was next in line for the championship and not him. However, ‘Ahalkalakets’ believes the UFC still needs him, which is why they extended his contract and gave him an easy fight. He understands the business model and says he has to wait for a title shot.
“The UFC sees the situation better. They push whoever is most profitable for them. It’s a business. We have to understand that and wait for our opportunity. There are no hidden reasons. Yes, Dana White has already indicated that I have withdrawn from the [UFC 311] title fight and missed my chance. But after that we had no more problems. They gave me an easy fight and easy money, extended my contract and then gave me a bonus [Dan Hooker] fight, after I submitted him. And this shows that the UFC still needs me and wants me.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:
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