Story byMatthew Wells, George Garcia and Brian Garcia, MMA JunkieSat, January 3, 2026 at 2:15 AM UTC·3 min readArman Tsaruykan should be fighting for the UFC lightweight title next, according to Muhammad "King Mo" Lawal. Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) was set for a lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but pulled out with an injury during fight week. There has been plenty of speculation about what really happened with Tsaruykan and his withdrawal, but one thing is certain: ever since then, he's been on UFC CEO Dana White's naughty list, which has led to him being snubbed for a vacant title opportunity at UFC 324. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"I think this doghouse situation is petty," Lawal told MMA Junkie Radio. "You know, every person, every man or woman, will make a mistake, but I thought that in America, we're all about redemption.
