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Dana White rules out title fight for Arman Tsarukyan next after UFC 311 mishap: ‘Back to the drawing board’

Promotional boss, Dana White has confirmed Arman Tsarukyan will not feature in an immediate title rebooking with Islam Makhachev after his withdrawal from UFC 311 over the course of the weekend, claiming the Armenian will likely have to first go “back to the drawing board.

Remaining number one in the official lightweight rankings, would-be title challenger and event headliner, Tsarukyan was forced to withdraw from his UFC 311 rematch with Russian foe, Makhachev — citing a back injury suffered during the final hours of his weight cut early Friday morning.

Ilia Topuria sends chilling threat to Islam Makhachev after UFC 311: 'If I want to, I can knock you out'
Ilia Topuria sends chilling threat to Islam Makhachev after UFC 311: 'If I want to, I can knock you out'

And replaced by streaking Brazilian contender, Renato Moicano no just a day’s notice, Tsarukyan’s fill-in was stopped with relative ease by common-foe, Islam Makhachev — who submitted the Brazilian with a quickfire D’Arce choke inside the opening round.