Dana White shuts down talk of interim UFC lightweight title fight in Islam Makhachev's absence: "We have plans"
UFC CEO Dana White has rejected Arman Tsarukyan's idea for an interim lightweight title fight while champion Islam Makhachev recovers from a hand injury..
No. 1-ranked lightweight Tsarukyan isn't in the mood to wait for Makhachev to heal, as he's eyeing any form of gold and wants the UFC to set an interim title fight in the Dagestani's absence.
White, however, doesn't seem to be a big fan of that proposition, as he dismissed the Russian-Armenian contender's call for an interim belt to be created.
Speaking with MMA journalist Manouk Akopyan, the promotional frontman cleared the air on the lightweight title picture:
“Yeah, Islam’s fought so many times and is always willing to jump up and take up a fight. So no, there won’t be any interim title. When he’s ready to go, we’ll go. We have a plan. We’re looking at it right now on when he would fight.”
When asked about when fans could see Tsarukyan challenge for the title and whether December is a possibility, White replied:
“Yes, he’s the No. 1 contender. I don’t know [if Dec. 7 is likely]. We’re working on it.”
Check out Dana White's comments on the 155-pound title scenario below (9:41):
The reason for the champion's absence is credited to a hand injury he suffered in the main event of UFC 302, where he battled 'The Diamond' Poirier for five rounds before submitting him via D'arce choke in the final round.
Dana White shares his Mount Rushmore of MMA
Dana White recently shared his Mount Rushmore of all-time great fighters.
The GOAT debate has long been polarizing, with varying takes. Whenever the topic comes up, however, the 55-year-old consistently argues Jon Jones' superiority. With that in mind, it didn't come as a surprise that the reigning heavyweight champion topped the UFC CEO's list.
Elsewhere, former bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey, welterweight legend Georges St-Pierre, and superstar Conor McGregor found themselves included by White.
Check out Dana White's Mt. Rushmore list: