Dana White sends message to Tsarukyan amid changing stance
Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images Arman Tsarukyan’s standing with Dana White seems to have shifted, after a year that saw their relationship reach its lowest point. Tsarukyan pulled out of his main event against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just hours before the fight, which left matchmakers frustrated. While he says he doesn’t have any relationship with White – who is now a more distant figure in the organisation – criticism from the top was still felt.
Even with just one UFC appearance in nearly two years, Tsarukyan has kept busy through grappling and wrestling competitions. On top of that, his active media schedule has helped maintain his profile and build fan interest during his absence from the Octagon. Dana White tells Arman Tsarukyan to ‘calm down’ as relationship improves Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Tsarukyan’s troubles with UFC management date back to UFC 300, when he hit a fan during his walkout to face Charles Oliveira.
That moment set the tone for what became a string of issues both inside and outside the promotion. Despite those problems, Tsarukyan has built a reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting names, and it looks like he might have won over Dana White. Speaking on a stream with Adin Ross, White noted that he’s been impressed by how active Tsarukyan has kept himself.
“I like what Arman’s been doing, that he’s kept himself active,” White said when asked about what was next for the rising star. “He’s getting himself out there and hanging out with Nina doesn’t hurt either because she f—ing kills it. “We’ll see what happens with Arman.
Arman needs to not be a maniac when he shows up to the event, but I like Arman though. ” White Tells Ross a Wild Story About Tsarukyan Even though White has never been the biggest fan of Tsarukyan, he did share a story with Ross that seemed to give him a bit more of an appreciation for the lightweight. “We’re out in Vegas one night and I pull out of the Wynn and I’m at the red light right when you pull out,” White continued during the stream.