Robert Whittaker has officially denied rumours that he is scheduled to fight Magomed Ankalaev. In other news, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been announced as the coaching duo for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Dana White praised Arman Tsarukyan's recent activity and suggested he is close to earning a title shot if he avoids reckless behaviour. Tsarukyan himself claimed that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as he believes Makhachev will retire soon, while he plans to dominate the division and become the face of the UFC within a year.
Robert Whittaker has moved to shut down speculation linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, issuing an official denial of the reported matchup. Separately, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been confirmed as the coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, while UFC president Dana White has spoken publicly about the trajectory of Arman Tsarukyan's career.
Whittaker's denial puts an end, for now, to talk of a bout against Ankalaev, the number-one ranked light heavyweight contender. The Russian, who competes out of Gorets Fight Club, carries a record of 21-2-1 and sits fifth in the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, Ankalaev lands 3.65 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in the 205-pound division.
Bisping, the 47-year-old former middleweight champion from England, brings a career record of 30-9-0 into the coaching role. Known for his volume striking — 4.33 significant strikes landed per minute across his career — "The Count" is a recognizable and outspoken presence who should add personality to the TUF season. He will be joined by Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion, in what figures to be a compelling coaching dynamic.
On the lightweight front, Dana White praised Tsarukyan's recent activity and indicated the Armenian contender is closing in on a title shot, provided he stays disciplined. Tsarukyan himself suggested that a fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is unlikely in the near term, stating his belief that Makhachev will retire soon. Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record, sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings, and is currently listed in the welterweight division in the AgentMMA database. Tsarukyan expressed his intention to dominate the lightweight division and establish himself as the face of the UFC within the next year.
Why it matters
- Whittaker's denial leaves the light heavyweight title picture unsettled, with Ankalaev still awaiting a clear path to the belt
- Bisping and Cormier as TUF coaches sets up a high-profile season with two former champions on opposite benches
- Tsarukyan's comments and White's endorsement signal a lightweight title shot could be imminent if he stays on course
