Dana White says no interim lightweight title fight while UFC champ Islam Makhachev recovers

Dana White is not interested in creating a UFC interim lightweight title.

Islam Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) is currently sidelined due to a ligament injury in his hand. He most recently defended his title with a late submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June.

No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) was hoping to challenge Makhachev on Oct. 26 at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi but will likely have to wait a few more months. Tsarukyan said he’s willing to take another fight in the meantime, as long as it’s for an interim title, but White shut down that possibility.

“No,” White said in an interview with Manouk Akopyan when asked about an interim lightweight title fight. “Islam’s fought so many times and is always willing to jump up and take a fight. So, no, there won’t be an interim title. “When he’s ready to go, we’ll go. We have plans. We’re looking at it right now on when he would fight.”

Tsarukyan told Red Corner MMA that he’s hearing his rematch with Makhachev will take place early next year. White was asked about the possibility of UFC 310 on Dec. 7.

“I don’t know (if Dec. 7 is likely),” White said. “We’re working on it.”

Tsarukyan edged out Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 to emerge as No. 1 contender. He faced Makhachev in his UFC debut April 2019, losing a back-and-forth unanimous decision. He has since gone 9-1 and is on a four-fight winning streak.