Arman Tsarukyan stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely to happen, as he believes Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan expressed confidence that he will take over the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. Dana White commented that he likes Tsarukyan's current activity level and that the Armenian fighter just needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. The post also mentioned ongoing drama between Islam and Ilia, which the author described as tiresome. Additionally, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier were announced as the new coaching pair for an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan has declared that a showdown with Islam Makhachev is unlikely to materialize, suggesting the champion will retire after just a few more fights and predicting he himself will become the face of the UFC within the next year.
Tsarukyan, 29, currently sits at number one in the lightweight rankings with a record of 23-3-0. Fighting out of American Top Team, the Armenian-born Russian known as "Ahalkalakets" has built one of the division's most well-rounded profiles, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute alongside 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect both his offensive output and wrestling-heavy approach. He expressed confidence that capturing the lightweight title is a matter of when, not if, and that the belt will make him the sport's defining figure.
Makhachev, meanwhile, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning champion, currently ranked number one pound-for-pound. The 34-year-old from Russia, fighting out of Eagles MMA, has long been considered the sport's dominant force, posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent and averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Tsarukyan's assertion that Makhachev is winding down his career adds a fresh layer to what has been an ongoing storyline between the two fighters.
UFC President Dana White weighed in, stating he appreciates Tsarukyan's recent activity level but cautioned that the contender needs to keep his behavior in check if he wants to secure a title shot.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the top-ranked lightweight, and his comments signal he is angling for a title shot in the near term
- If Makhachev does fight sparingly before retiring, it could accelerate the timeline for a new champion in a stacked division
- The ongoing tension between Makhachev and featherweight champion Ilia Topuria further complicates the lightweight title picture and could influence when and how Tsarukyan gets his opportunity
