Robert Whittaker has officially denied recent rumors suggesting a matchup with Magomed Ankalaev is in the works. Meanwhile, Dana White praised Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level, indicating he only needs to avoid behaving erratically to secure a title shot. Tsarukyan expressed confidence that Islam Makhachev will retire within a couple of fights and stated he plans to capture the title within a year, positioning himself as the future face of the UFC. Additionally, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been announced as the new coaching pair for an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. The post also mentioned that Paulo Costa stated he enjoys fighting Russians because they are tough like Brazilians.
Robert Whittaker has moved to shut down speculation linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, publicly denying that any such matchup is in the works. The denial comes amid broader light heavyweight division chatter, though no official booking involving Whittaker has been announced.
On the lightweight front, UFC President Dana White singled out Arman Tsarukyan as a fighter on the rise, indicating that consistent activity and avoiding erratic behavior are the only remaining requirements for Tsarukyan to land a title shot. Tsarukyan himself went further, predicting that reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will retire within a couple of fights and declaring his intention to capture the belt within a year. The 28-1-0 Makhachev, who holds the pound-for-pound top ranking and fights out of Eagles MMA, is a 34-year-old Russian southpaw who lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that has made him one of the most complete champions in the sport. Tsarukyan plainly stated his ambition to become the face of the UFC once he claims the title.
Elsewhere, the UFC confirmed that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as the new coaching duo for an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, the 47-year-old former middleweight champion from England who compiled a 30-9 professional record, brings significant coaching credibility to the show alongside Cormier.
Why it matters
- Whittaker's denial narrows the field of realistic light heavyweight contender matchups in the near term
- Tsarukyan's public timeline for a title shot keeps pressure on the UFC to book him at the top of the lightweight division
- Bisping and Cormier's pairing gives the revived TUF franchise two former champions with broad fan appeal
- Paulo Costa adding that he relishes fighting Russians — whom he compared in toughness to Brazilians — hints at potential future lightweight or middleweight crossover interest
