Robert Whittaker has publicly refuted rumors of a potential bout with Magomed Ankalaev. Dana White commented that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and that all Tsarukyan needs to do to secure a title shot is avoid behaving like a "maniac." Tsarukyan stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as Makhachev will retire in a couple of fights, predicting he will capture the sport within a year and become the face of UFC. Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been announced as the new coaching duo for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Paulo Costa expressed his love for fighting Russians, calling them tough like Brazilians.
Robert Whittaker has moved to shut down speculation linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, publicly denying that any such bout is in the works. Separately, UFC President Dana White offered measured praise for Arman Tsarukyan, while Tsarukyan himself made bold predictions about his own future at the top of the sport.
Ankalaev enters this conversation as the number-one ranked light heavyweight contender and sits fifth on the pound-for-pound rankings. The 34-year-old Russian carries a record of 21-2-1 and stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, landing 3.65 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. Any fight involving him carries immediate title implications at 205 pounds.
White's comments centered on lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, with the UFC President expressing that he approves of Tsarukyan's current activity and suggesting a title shot is within reach if Tsarukyan keeps himself out of trouble. Tsarukyan, for his part, went further, stating that a rematch with pound-for-pound leader and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is unlikely because Makhachev will retire within a couple of fights. Tsarukyan predicted he will capture the division and become the face of the UFC within a year. Makhachev is 28-1 and holds the welterweight title while competing at lightweight, landing takedowns at a rate of 3.2 per 15 minutes and finishing submissions at a high clip.
In a separate development, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been confirmed as the coaching pair for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Meanwhile, middleweight Paulo Costa, ranked 13th at 185 pounds, offered characteristic candor, expressing his fondness for fighting Russian opponents and comparing their toughness to that of Brazilians. The 35-year-old carries a record of 16-4 and produces an eye-catching 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute.
Why it matters
- Whittaker's denial keeps the light heavyweight title picture unsettled, with Ankalaev's next opponent still unclear.
- White's comments put Tsarukyan on notice that a title shot is conditional on his conduct outside the cage.
- Tsarukyan's prediction that Makhachev is near retirement adds a storyline to an already combustible lightweight division.
