Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes he will take over the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. He expressed doubt that his fight with Islam Makhachev will happen, suggesting Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Dana White commented that he likes Tsarukyan's current activity and that the Armenian fighter just needs to avoid behaving like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. The post also mentions White calling Tsarukyan a "tough bastard." Additionally, the post covers multiple other news items including Robert Whittaker denying rumors of a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier being named as coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, and Josh Hockit engaging in unusual pre-fight behavior targeting multiple fighters.
Arman Tsarukyan has made his ambitions clear, declaring that he expects to become the face of the UFC within a year once he gets his hands on a title.
The Armenian lightweight contender expressed confidence that a matchup with reigning welterweight and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev may never materialize, suggesting Makhachev could retire after just a couple more bouts. Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and is currently the pound-for-pound No. 1 fighter in the sport. The Russian champion operates out of a southpaw stance, lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy, and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect his all-around dominance inside the octagon.
UFC President Dana White weighed in on Tsarukyan's title prospects, saying he appreciates the fighter's recent activity level and describing him as a "tough bastard." White added that Tsarukyan simply needs to stay out of trouble — stop acting like a "maniac," in White's words — to keep himself in line for a championship opportunity.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan positioning himself as the face of the division raises the stakes of any future lightweight title picture conversation.
- Makhachev's potential retirement timeline, as floated by Tsarukyan, could reshape the entire lightweight landscape sooner than expected.
- White's public comments signal the promotion is watching Tsarukyan closely, with a title shot contingent on conduct as much as performance.
Elsewhere in the news, light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev — ranked No. 1 at 205 pounds with a 21-2-1 record — denied reports linking him to a fight with Robert Whittaker. Michael Bisping, 47, and Daniel Cormier have been named as coaches for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
