Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely, claiming Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan projected that within a year he will dominate the lightweight division and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. Dana White praised Tsarukyan's recent activity and said he just needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. The post also mentions ongoing back-and-forth between Makhachev and Topuria, but details remain unclear. Additionally, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier were announced as coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan has made his ambitions clear, declaring that he expects to take over the lightweight division within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title — while also expressing serious doubt that a fight against Islam Makhachev will ever happen.
Tsarukyan, 29, holds a 23-3 record and sits at number one in the lightweight rankings. Fighting out of American Top Team, the Russian-Armenian contender has built a reputation as one of the division's most active and dangerous fighters, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute alongside a relentless grappling game that produces 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. At five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he carries an unusual physical profile for the division, compensating with volume and well-rounded pressure.
Standing across the lightweight picture is champion Islam Makhachev, who owns a 28-1 record and holds the pound-for-pound top spot. The 34-year-old from Russia is a technically dominant force, landing strikes at 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Tsarukyan suggested Makhachev is winding down his career and will retire after a few more fights, casting doubt on whether a title clash between the two ever materializes.
UFC president Dana White acknowledged Tsarukyan's recent activity level in positive terms, indicating a title shot is within reach so long as Tsarukyan keeps his behavior in check.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight contender, making his path to a title shot the most logical one in the division
- His public skepticism about Makhachev's longevity adds a new layer to the lightweight title picture
- An ongoing back-and-forth between Makhachev and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria also clouds the immediate future of the 155-pound belt
- If Makhachev moves or vacates, Tsarukyan's positioning makes him the immediate frontrunner for any interim or undisputed title opportunity
