UFC CEO Dana White clarified that his relationship with Arman Tsarukyan remains strong despite labeling him a ‘maniac’.

Top UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has done just about everything imaginable to earn a lightweight title shot, despite a last-second pullout from his first title opportunity at UFC 311 last year. Since the events of UFC 311, Tsarukyan has impressively defeated Dan Hooker to retain his spot in the lightweight title picture.

Tsarukyan recently hinted at looming good news surrounding his next UFC fight after a productive meeting with Hunter Campbell and the matchmakers. He could potentially fight the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje winner after the upcoming White House event at UFC Freedom 250.

UFC CEO Dana White recently admitted that some of Tsarukyan’s conduct outside of the cage indefinitely postponed granting him another title shot. Ahead of his fight with Hooker, Tsarukyan headbutted his lightweight rival at the UFC Qatar ceremonial weigh-in, nearly jeopardizing the main event bout due to injury.

Months removed from the incident, Tsarukyan is still waiting in the wings, looking to extend his ongoing win streak. Tsarukyan, who trains at American Top Team-Florida, is expected to attend UFC 327 this weekend, and White sent the top lightweight a message ahead of the event.

Dana White warns Arman Tsarukyan to not sabotage potential title shot at UFC 327

During a recent appearance on Adin Ross‘ live stream, White was asked about Tsarukyan’s UFC future and whether or not he plans to meet with the top lightweight this weekend at UFC 327.

“I like what Arman’s been doing – he’s kept himself active, getting himself out there. Hanging out with [Nina Drama] doesn’t hurt either,” White said of Tsarukyan.

“Saturday, everything sort of changes, and you start looking at what the possibilities are for fights coming up the rest of the year. And we’ll see what happens with Arman. Arman needs to not be a maniac when he shows up to the event, and I like Arman!

“I was in f—– Las Vegas one night, pulled out of the Wynn…somebody was f—– screaming at me. Rolled down my window, and there’s a Rolls Royce next to me, and it’s f—— Arman [LAUGHS]. He’s a fascinating dude, and obviously a bad m———.”

Tsarukyan recently hinted at exploring a move to featherweight to increase his fighting activity. But after White’s latest remarks, Tsarukyan might be tempted to postpone that decision.

Who should Arman Tsarukyan fight next? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!