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5 Key Details Behind Arman Tsarukyan’s Shock UFC 311 Pull-Out And His Rapid Comeback

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The mixed martial arts world was rocked by a late-notice bombshell in mid-2025 when top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was forced to pull out of his long-awaited title shot. The fight, a highly anticipated rematch against UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, was abruptly cancelled just one day before the event, leaving fans and the promotion scrambling. This withdrawal, officially attributed to a significant injury, derailed one of the biggest fights of the year and immediately raised questions about the severity of his condition and the future of the lightweight division.

As of December 22, 2025, the full details surrounding the injury, the dramatic circumstances of the withdrawal, and Tsarukyan’s incredibly quick return to elite competition have solidified his reputation as one of the toughest and most dedicated fighters on the UFC roster. We dive deep into the specific reasons for the pull-out, the impact on his championship aspirations, and the impressive steps he has taken to get his career back on track, including a recent dominant performance and a scheduled bout in his home region.

Arman Tsarukyan: A Brief Biography and Pro Stats

Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," has rapidly ascended the ranks to become one of the most feared athletes in the UFC lightweight division. Born in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, Tsarukyan represents Armenia in competition, bringing a high-pressure, wrestling-heavy, and explosively powerful style to the Octagon. His career is characterized by an exceptional blend of elite grappling and rapidly improving striking, making him a nightmare matchup for virtually any opponent.

  • Full Name: Arman Nairovich Tsarukyan
  • Nickname: Ahalkalakets
  • Nationality: Armenian
  • Born: October 11, 1996
  • Age: 29 (as of late 2025)
  • Parents: Nairi Tsarukyan (Father), Anahit Hakobyan (Mother)
  • Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
  • Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
  • Reach: 72.5 inches (184 cm)
  • Professional MMA Record: 23 Wins, 3 Losses, 0 Draws (23-3-0)
  • Notable Wins: Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, Joaquim Silva, Dan Hooker
  • Debut vs. Makhachev: His first UFC fight was a hard-fought loss to Islam Makhachev in 2019, which is widely considered one of the most competitive UFC debuts in history.

The Shocking Pull-Out: What Really Happened at UFC 311?

The announcement that Arman Tsarukyan would not be competing in the main event of UFC 311 against Islam Makhachev sent shockwaves through the fighting community. This was not just any fight; it was a rematch for the undisputed lightweight title, a chance for Tsarukyan to avenge his debut loss and capture the championship he had worked years to earn.

The Official Injury: Debilitating Back Pain

The official reason for the withdrawal was a significant back injury that flared up at the worst possible time. UFC President Dana White confirmed the news, stating that they received a call from Tsarukyan in the early hours of the morning, informing them of the severe pain.

Tsarukyan himself later elaborated on the injury, describing the pain as so intense that it made continuing impossible. “I couldn’t move,” he explained, detailing how the extent of the back injury forced him to make the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the title shot a day before the event.

The Weight Cut Connection

A key detail that emerged in the aftermath was the connection between the injury and the process of cutting weight. Tsarukyan was reportedly on track with his weight cut, but the extreme physical stress of shedding pounds likely exacerbated the underlying back issue. According to reports, the weight loss was a contributing factor to the back pain suddenly becoming debilitating, making the final stages of the cut and the fight itself an insurmountable challenge.

This revelation highlights the brutal reality of professional fighting, where the weight-cutting process can push a fighter’s body to its absolute limit, turning a minor injury into a career-threatening one. The withdrawal was a pragmatic, albeit devastating, choice to protect his long-term health and career rather than risk permanent damage in the cage.

The Immediate Fallout and Tsarukyan’s Quick Recovery

The immediate consequence of the withdrawal was the loss of his coveted title shot. In his place, a replacement fighter was secured for the main event, and the opportunity Tsarukyan had earned through dominant wins over top contenders like Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush was temporarily gone.

However, the story of Tsarukyan’s pull-out is quickly followed by the story of his incredible resilience and swift return to the Octagon, demonstrating his unwavering focus on reclaiming his spot as the number one lightweight contender.

Rapid Return to the Octagon

Despite the severe nature of the back injury that forced him out of UFC 311, Arman Tsarukyan did not sit on the sidelines for long. He made a remarkably fast recovery and was booked for a major fight just a few months later.

On November 22, 2025, Tsarukyan headlined a UFC Fight Night event in Doha, Qatar, against the always-dangerous Dan Hooker. This fight served as a crucial litmus test to prove he was fully recovered and still deserved to be in the title picture. Tsarukyan passed the test with flying colors, delivering a dominant performance that reminded the lightweight division of his elite status.

His performance against Hooker was a clear statement: the back injury was behind him, and his focus was squarely back on the championship belt. By taking a high-risk, high-reward fight so quickly after a major injury withdrawal, Tsarukyan demonstrated the mentality of a true champion, refusing to let a setback define his career trajectory.

Future Plans: Fighting in Yerevan

Tsarukyan’s commitment to staying active and building momentum is further evidenced by his scheduled future bouts. The lightweight contender is set to fight in Yerevan, Armenia, on December 30, 2025.

Fighting in his home region is a significant event for Tsarukyan and his fans, providing a high-profile platform to close out the year and cement his status as the definitive number one contender. This bout will serve as the final step before he inevitably challenges for the lightweight championship again. The quick succession of fights—from the withdrawal at UFC 311 to a headliner against Hooker, and then a major event in Yerevan—shows a clear, aggressive strategy to force his way back into a title shot against Islam Makhachev or whoever holds the belt.

The drama surrounding the UFC 311 pull-out, while disappointing at the time, has ultimately become a chapter in the Arman Tsarukyan narrative that speaks volumes about his grit. His ability to overcome a debilitating injury and immediately return to the highest level of competition confirms that he is not just a talented fighter, but a durable and dedicated professional with his eyes firmly set on gold.

arman tsarukyan pulls out
arman tsarukyan pulls out

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