Robert Whittaker has refuted rumours about a potential matchup with Magomed Ankalaev. Meanwhile, Dana White commented positively on Arman Tsarukyan's recent activity level, stating that Tsarukyan just needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. Tsarukyan responded by predicting Islam Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights, and that he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. The post also mentions Paulo Costa saying he loves fighting Russians because they are tough like Brazilians, and that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as coaches on an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Robert Whittaker has moved to shut down speculation linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, flatly denying that any such matchup is in the works. The denial came alongside a wave of commentary from several fighters and UFC president Dana White centered on the lightweight title picture and upcoming programming news.
White's remarks focused largely on Arman Tsarukyan, with the UFC president praising the Armenian-Russian lightweight's recent activity level. White indicated that Tsarukyan is close to a title shot, provided he can avoid erratic behavior — phrasing his warning as a need to stop acting like a "maniac." Tsarukyan fired back with bold predictions, forecasting that reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will retire after just a couple more fights, and that he himself will dominate the division within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the belt.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the lightweight title and carries an impressive 28-1-0 record. The Russian southpaw fights out of Eagles MMA and ranks at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, landing 2.63 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Paulo Costa also weighed in from the sidelines, expressing affection for competing against Russian fighters. The 35-year-old Brazilian middleweight, ranked 13th in his division with a 16-4-0 record, offered that he enjoys the challenge Russians bring because their toughness reminds him of his fellow Brazilians. Costa averages a remarkable 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Whittaker's denial effectively closes the door on an Ankalaev light heavyweight crossover rumor, at least for now
- White's endorsement of Tsarukyan signals the contender is one clean stretch away from a Makhachev title fight
- Tsarukyan's public callout of Makhachev adds public pressure to the lightweight title timeline
Separately, the UFC confirmed that former middleweight champion Michael Bisping and former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will serve as opposing coaches on an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
