Arman Tsarukyan stated he believes a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as the champion will retire after a couple more bouts. The Armenian fighter claimed 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 fighter only needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. White also called Tsarukyan a "tough bastard." Additional news mentioned Robert Whittaker denied rumors of fighting Magomed Ankalaev, and that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan has set his sights on becoming the face of the UFC within a year, declaring his intention to capture the lightweight title and reshape the sport's landscape.
Tsarukyan, who has been vocal about his ambitions at 155 pounds, expressed doubt that a showdown with reigning champion Islam Makhachev will ever materialize. The Armenian fighter suggested Makhachev is likely to retire after just a couple more bouts, effectively closing the door on that potential matchup. Tsarukyan stated he expects to seize the title and cement himself as the defining figure in the UFC once that opportunity arrives.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the lightweight title and carries a 28-1 record. The Russian champion fights out of a southpaw stance, lands strikes at a rate of 2.63 per minute with an imposing 58 percent striking accuracy, and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — numbers that underline why he has dominated the division.
UFC President Dana White weighed in on Tsarukyan's prospects, saying he appreciates the fighter's recent activity level. White cautioned, however, that Tsarukyan needs to stay composed and avoid erratic behavior to earn a title shot, while also offering a blunt compliment, calling the Armenian a "tough bastard."
Separately, middleweight contender Robert Whittaker moved to deny circulating rumors that he is set to fight Magomed Ankalaev. Whittaker, 35, holds a 27-9 record and ranks sixth in the middleweight division, averaging 4.39 significant strikes per minute. Ankalaev, ranked first in the light heavyweight division and fifth pound-for-pound at 21-2-1, would represent a cross-divisional matchup — one that Whittaker has now publicly distanced himself from.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's comments add pressure to the lightweight title picture and raise questions about Makhachev's long-term timeline
- Dana White's public endorsement signals Tsarukyan is firmly in the title conversation if he remains active
- The Whittaker-Ankalaev rumor denial clarifies the middleweight and light heavyweight divisional landscapes heading forward
