Jon Anik admits he doesn’t know the entire story about what happened with Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 nearly one year ago. It’s obvious, however, that the lightweight contender is still paying the price.
Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was scheduled to challenge then-champ Islam Makhachev for the title in the headliner of the event, but withdrew on weigh-in day. Tsarukyan has claimed a back injury rendered him immobile, and therefor he could not make the weight or fight. Others, though, have indicated it was purely a weight management issue.
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Makhachev ended up fighting replacement opponent Renato Moicano on the card, while Tsarukyan found himself firmly in the dog house with the UFC brass. He’s competed just once in MMA since, defeating Dan Hooker by submission at UFC Fight Night 265 in November, then was passed over for the UFC 324 interim title bout on Jan. 24 which instead featured Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy PImblett.
For Anik, who has served as lead UFC play-by-play commentator for over a decade, the best 155-pound fighter in the world is being snubbed of the chance to prove it.
“With respect to Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, I think most of the fanbase would agree with Arman Tsarukyan looks like the best, most complete lightweight in the world,” Anik said on the “JAXXON PODCAST.” “But only Hunter (Campbell) and Dana (White) and a few other select individuals know exactly what happened before UFC 311. Depending upon who you ask, it was either weight-cut related or injury-related.
“Whatever it may be, the narrative continues to spin and the fight with Dan Hooker no longer became a title eliminator. The world is unfair, so yes I do believe he is being treated unfairly. But the extent to which he crossed Dana White back in January at UFC 311, only those on the inside really know.”
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Based on his limited insight, Anik is of the belief Tsarukyan should be the next man up. Whether it happens remains to be seen, though, because the lightweight division is complex.
Tsarukyan has been in conflict with reigning champion Topuria, who is currently taking time away from competition to deal with personal issues. If Topuria returns by mid-2026, he will unify with the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett, again leaving Tsarukyan on the outside looking in and will be forced to “work his way back up to a title shot.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jon Anik: Arman Tsarukyan ‘being treated unfairly’ by UFC brass
