Morning Report: Daniel Cormier disagrees with Dana White: ‘It still needs to be Arman Tsarukyan [next]’

Arman Tsarukyan missed out on his probability at changing into light-weight champion after a again damage pressured him out of UFC 311 on the final minute however it might value him much more in the long term.

After watching Islam Makhachev make fast work of Renato Moicano within the new important occasion, UFC CEO Dana White mentioned that it’s “again to the drafting board” for Tsarukyan as a result of he’ll have to combat another person to earn one other title shot after wasn’t capable of compete this previous Saturday. Whereas Tsarukyan really agreed with White’s evaluation earlier than calling for a rematch towards Charles Oliveira, UFC Corridor of Famer Daniel Cormier doesn’t like that plan of action.

“I consider it nonetheless must be Tsarukyan,” Cormier mentioned in his UFC 311 post-fight response. “As a result of I consider Tsarukyan, despite the fact that it’s a rematch and despite the fact that we all know Charles [Oliveira] is meant to be subsequent, I nonetheless really feel like Tsarukyan’s dimension, his skills, his ability set, might current the most important issues for Islam Makhachev.”

Whereas Tsarukyan operating it again with Oliveira after they went to a cut up choice of their first encounter at UFC 300 would solidify a brand new No. 1 contender, Cormier is fast to level out that Makhachev is shortly operating out of viable challengers.

Makhachev ran roughshod over Oliveira in a earlier combat and based mostly on the UFC’s rankings, the subsequent fighter obtainable outdoors of Tsarukyan who hasn’t confronted the champion, isn’t already booked or coming off a loss is Paddy Pimblett all the best way down at No. 13.

“Have a look at what does to the remainder [of the contenders],” Cormier mentioned about Makhachev. “He has submitted or completed so lots of the greatest lightweights on the earth.

“Take into consideration this — he completed Oliveira to turn into the champ. He completed [Alexander] Volkanovski within the rematch. He completed Dustin Poirier in his final title protection and now he completed Renato Moicano.”

It stays to be seen if the UFC modifications course with Tsarukyan obtainable and Makhachev at present with none viable challengers.

No matter what occurs subsequent, Cormier couldn’t reward Makhachev sufficient for his efficiency at UFC 311 after he confronted an unenviable place by taking over a brand new opponent on simply 24 hours’ discover and nonetheless delivering a first-round end.

“I handled this earlier than with the Anderson Silva state of affairs [at UFC 200],” Cormier mentioned after he was imagined to combat Jon Jones on the cardboard. “I’m telling you it’s the most tough factor that you would be able to ever think about doing.

“As soon as once more Islam Makhachev proves to be one of the best light-weight on the earth, submitting Renato Moicano within the very first spherical with a D’arce choke. I run out of the way to explain who Islam Makhachev is. This man is a champion in each sense of the phrase. Not many guys would have accepted a combat for his or her belt on 24 hours’ discover towards a man that was on a four-fight win streak that you simply didn’t prepare for. He’s one of the best and he’s proving that point and time once more.”

Champ-Champ. Islam Makhachev open to middleweight title combat with Dricus du Plessis, says Alex Pereira is ‘an excessive amount of’

Injured. Merab Dvalishvili shrugs off Umar Nurmagomedov damage speak: ‘I broke my again in coaching camp’

Getting paid. UFC 311 salaries: Renato Moicano earns greater than Islam Makhachev for short-notice important occasion

Pound-for-pound. Dana White concedes Islam Makhachev has lastly surpassed Jon Jones as No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter

Disappointment. Renato Moicano brokenhearted after loss at UFC 311: ‘Spent my complete life for this second and I tapped within the first spherical.’

UFC 311 post-fight present.

Mighty Mouse is aware of this sense.

The boss speaks.

Darren Until reacts.

Matt Serra and GSP share tales.

On To The Subsequent One.

Fall asleep?

Georgian pleasure.

Jiri retaining a watchful eye.

No excuses.

Nonetheless cash.

The perfect on the earth.

A brand new problem?

Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev, UFC 312, March 8, Las Vegas

Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker, UFC 312, March 8, Las Vegas

Daniel Cormier has a sound argument in terms of challenges left for Islam Makhachev at light-weight however Dana White made the fitting name right here. It’s unlucky that Tsarukyan suffered an damage simply at some point earlier than he was imagined to combat for the title however one of the best capability is availability. He blew that probability by not with the ability to compete at UFC 311 and now he’s received to not solely earn that place because the No. 1 contender once more however he has to show to the UFC that’s he’s dependable sufficient to rely upon subsequent time round.

For those who discover one thing you’d prefer to see within the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and tell us about it. Additionally, comply with MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Fb.