Dana White changes his tune on Arman Tsarukyan after UFC 331 stunner

Dana White has softened his stance on Arman Tsarukyan after the lightweight put on a masterclass at UFC 331, earning a first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tsarukyan extended his winning streak to six fights and cemented his status as the No. 1 lightweight contender.

White acknowledged at the post-fight presser that his relationship with Tsarukyan had been strained following several incidents, including Tsarukyan's withdrawal from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev the night before weigh-ins, as well as altercations with fans and other fighters. However, the UFC president praised "The Batman" for his redemptive performance and improved conduct.

"I've been vocal that I wasn't crazy about some of the stuff that he'd done," White said. "But you know what, when you f*ck up, then you come back and you do everything the right way. He couldn't have had a better comeback." White admitted he initially thought Ruffy was gaining the upper hand before Tsarukyan's devastating elbow finish arrived in the round's final moments. The knockout earned Performance of the Night honors, and White's public praise signals Tsarukyan has fully rehabilitated his standing with the organization.