Withdraws from UFC 311 title fight

UFC 311 took an unexpected turn for lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. Scheduled to face Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title in Los Angeles, Tsarukyan had the opportunity to avenge his UFC debut loss from nearly six years ago. The event, headlined by their highly anticipated rematch, held special significance for Tsarukyan, given Los Angeles’ large Armenian community. However, less than 48 hours before fight night, Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw due to a severe back injury.

Details of the injury

Following UFC 311, UFC President Dana White addressed Tsarukyan’s withdrawal at the post-event press conference. White explained that Tsarukyan would not receive an automatic title shot upon his return, instead needing to re-establish his position in the division. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Tsarukyan opened up about the injury that derailed his championship aspirations.

“When I began cutting weight, I was cycling. My back locked up, and I couldn’t move. I just laid there in insane pain,” Tsarukyan revealed.

“The problem is the sciatic nerve, from the hip to the lower back,” he added.

The injury’s severity prompted Tsarukyan and his team to make the difficult decision to pull out of the fight, prioritizing his health over the high-stakes matchup.

Dana White sets conditions for a comeback

Dana White emphasized that Tsarukyan must “prove himself again” to earn another title shot. Despite the disappointment, Tsarukyan acknowledged the fairness of White’s stance. Reflecting on the situation, the 27-year-old fighter expressed his determination to bounce back stronger.

“No, I’m not surprised. You know, when you miss a big opportunity, you have to go back and fight anyone to prove you deserve the number-one spot,” Tsarukyan told Helwani.

Future outlook for Tsarukyan

The lightweight division remains stacked with talent, leaving Tsarukyan a tough path back to title contention. Ranked #8 at the time of UFC 311, he holds wins over formidable opponents such as Joaquim Silva and Damir Ismagulov. However, securing a marquee victory against a top contender will likely be necessary to solidify his case for another title shot.

Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how Tsarukyan navigates his return. While the setback is a significant hurdle, his youth, talent, and resolve suggest that his championship ambitions are far from over.

UFC 311’s impact and aftermath

Despite the abrupt change, UFC 311 delivered a memorable event, with Islam Makhachev defending his title against a last-minute replacement. The Armenian community in Los Angeles still rallied behind Tsarukyan, showing their unwavering support for the fighter in his time of adversity.

As Tsarukyan begins his recovery, the road to redemption lies ahead. With UFC President Dana White’s clear directive, all eyes will be on Tsarukyan’s next opponent and his quest to reclaim his spot among the division’s elite.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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