UFC commentator risks angering Dana White by publicly stating he’s treated Arman Tsarukyan ‘unfairly’

The UFC continues to be questioned for its decision making in the lightweight division.

MMA’s leading promotion will kick off its 2026 schedule and $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount on January 24 with the next title fight at 155 pounds.

With champion Ilia Topuria taking a hiatus from the UFC due to personal problems away from the cage, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will fight for interim gold in the main event of UFC 324.

The decision not to include top contender Arman Tsarukyan in the matchup caused considerable backlash, with many fans and analysts dismissing Pimblett’s title shot worthiness.

Jon Anik believes Arman Tsarukyan has been ‘treated unfairly’ by the UFC

White responded to the backlash over Tsarukyan’s snub, insisting that the Armenian star still has work to do to make his way back into the title picture after the events that unfolded at UFC 311.

The lightweight contender withdrew from a title challenge against Islam Makhachev hours before the weigh-ins. While reason was given as injury, Joe Rogan suggested Tsarukyan was struggling to cut weight.

While commentator Jon Anik acknowledges that the UFC 311 situation remains unclear to all except those directly involved, he recently admitted that it appears as though Tsarukyan has been treated unfairly by White and his promotion.

“I think most of the fanbase would agree with me that Arman Tsarukyan looks like the best, most complete lightweight in the world,” Anik said on the Jaxxon Podcast.

“But only Hunter (Campbell), Dana, and a few other selected individuals know exactly what happened before UFC 311. Depending on who you ask, it was either weight-cut related or injury related.

“The world is unfair. So yes, I do believe he is being treated unfairly,” he added.

“But the extent to which he crossed Dana White back in January at UFC 311, only those on the inside really know.”