Dana White Praises Tsarukyan, But Warns 'Don't Be a Maniac'

The UFC president sees potential in the lightweight contender, but cautions him about his behavior during fight week.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a UFC fighter in mid-grappling motion, with their body broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.Tsarukyan's unorthodox fighting style and promotional tactics have drawn both praise and caution from UFC leadership.Las Vegas Today

UFC president Dana White has expressed a more positive outlook on lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, praising his recent grappling matches and media appearances. However, White cautioned Tsarukyan about his behavior, telling him 'don't be a maniac' when showing up for fight week events. Tsarukyan has remained active outside the octagon but has only competed once since withdrawing from a title opportunity last year.

Why it matters

Tsarukyan is considered one of the top up-and-coming lightweights in the UFC, but his unorthodox approach and behavior have drawn some criticism from the promotion's leadership. White's comments suggest he sees potential in Tsarukyan, but wants the fighter to be more disciplined and professional during fight week to maximize his opportunities.

The details

Dana White said he 'likes what Arman's been doing', including his grappling matches and appearances with popular streamer Nina Drama. However, White warned Tsarukyan not to be 'a maniac' when showing up for UFC events, referencing an incident where he saw Tsarukyan in a Rolls Royce in Las Vegas. Tsarukyan has only competed once in the UFC since withdrawing from a title opportunity just a day before UFC 311 last year.

  • Tsarukyan withdrew from a title opportunity just a day before UFC 311.
  • Tsarukyan's most recent UFC fight was a first-round submission of Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 this past November.

The players

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier mixed martial arts organization.

Arman Tsarukyan

A 29-year-old lightweight contender in the UFC, known for his grappling skills and unorthodox approach to promoting himself.

Nina Drama

A popular streamer that Tsarukyan has collaborated with on various media projects.

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What they’re saying

“I like what Arman's been doing. He's kept himself active, getting himself out there. Hanging out with Nina doesn't hurt, either. She f*cking kills it. I don't know. We'll see.”

— Dana White, UFC President

“Arman needs to not be a maniac when he shows up to the event. I like Arman.”

— Dana White, UFC President

“I'm in Vegas one night and I pull out of the Wynn and I'm at the red light getting ready to pull out and someone is f*cking screaming at me and there's a Rolls Royce next to me and it's f*cking Arman in a Rolls Royce. He's a fascinating dude and obviously a bad motherf*cker.”

— Dana White, UFC President

What’s next

The UFC will determine Tsarukyan's next fight after the upcoming UFC event on Saturday, April 15th.

The takeaway

Dana White's comments suggest the UFC sees potential in Arman Tsarukyan as a rising lightweight contender, but the organization wants him to be more disciplined and professional in his approach to fight week activities. Tsarukyan's unorthodox promotion tactics have drawn both praise and criticism, and the UFC will be closely watching his behavior going forward.