Arman Tsarukyan ROBBED of Title Shot Javier Mendez BLASTS UFC Decision

The highly anticipated UFC 311 lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan was derailed at the last moment, sending shockwaves through the MMA community.

Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) had to withdraw just one day before the event due to a sudden back injury, a crushing blow for the young contender. In response, the UFC scrambled to find a replacement, and Renato Moicano stepped in on short notice. However, Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) made quick work of his opponent, securing a first-round submission at Intuit Dome.

The fight was supposed to be Tsarukyan’s shot at redemption, a chance to prove how much he had evolved since his 2019 battle with Makhachev. Instead, he was left watching from the sidelines, uncertain about his future in the lightweight division.

Dana White: No Immediate Title Shot for Tsarukyan?

While many fans and analysts sympathized with Tsarukyan’s unfortunate withdrawal, UFC CEO Dana White was less than pleased.

White stated that Tsarukyan will now need to fight his way back up the rankings to earn another title shot. This stance sparked debate—should a fighter really lose their title opportunity due to injury-related misfortune?

Javier Mendez Advocates for Tsarukyan’s Redemption

Not everyone agrees with White’s hardline stance. Javier Mendez, Makhachev’s coach and the man behind Team AKA, has publicly expressed his support for Tsarukyan, arguing that the fight should be rebooked as soon as possible.

“I feel bad for him because no fighter should have to go through what that poor guy did,” Mendez told Submission Radio. “He trained so hard, earned the right to fight for the title, and now he’s sidelined due to an injury, not a loss.”

Mendez even drew comparisons between Tsarukyan’s situation and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s past struggles with injuries that delayed his title opportunities.

“It just reminded me of what happened to Khabib. Same thing. I hope the UFC does the right thing and lets Tsarukyan get his shot instead of making him start from scratch.”

If Not Tsarukyan, Who’s Next for Makhachev?

If Tsarukyan is forced to wait, Javier Mendez has another name in mind—Justin Gaethje.

“Gaethje is the fight to make because he hasn’t fought Islam yet,” Mendez stated.

However, Gaethje has his own business to handle first—a high-stakes fight against Dan Hooker at UFC 313 on March 8 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Also waiting in the wings is Charles Oliveira, who is hungry for revenge after his submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 280.

Makhachev’s Next Opponent: A Mystery Waiting to Unfold

With Tsarukyan sidelined, Gaethje fighting soon, and Oliveira campaigning for a rematch, the lightweight division is more unpredictable than ever.