Arman Tsarukyan stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely because Makhachev will finish his career after a couple more fights. Tsarukyan declared 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 said all Arman needs to do is stop acting like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. The post also mentioned Robert Whittaker denied rumors about fighting Magomed Ankalaev, and that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Additionally, Khamzat Chimaev made Sean Strickland tap in 40 seconds during training.
Arman Tsarukyan has made bold claims about his trajectory in the UFC, predicting that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is nearing the end of his career and that he himself will become the face of the promotion within a year.
Tsarukyan stated that a matchup with Makhachev is unlikely because the champion will retire after just a couple more fights. The Armenian-born fighter went further, declaring that once he captures the title, he will take over the sport entirely. UFC president Dana White weighed in on the situation, expressing approval of Tsarukyan's recent activity level while noting that the contender simply needs to stop behaving like a "maniac" to earn a title shot.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and currently holds the welterweight title as the number-one pound-for-pound fighter on the roster. The Russian southpaw is one of the most efficient wrestlers in the promotion, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing 58 percent of his significant strikes.
In other news from the same report, Khamzat Chimaev reportedly made Sean Strickland tap in just 40 seconds during a training session. Strickland, 35, holds a 31-7-0 record and is the current middleweight champion, known for a relentless striking output of 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach. The training room finish adds an interesting footnote given both men operate in adjacent divisions.
The report also noted that former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, 47, and Daniel Cormier are set to coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, while Robert Whittaker denied circulating rumors that he is set to face Magomed Ankalaev.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's public prediction about Makhachev's retirement could reshape the lightweight title picture narrative heading into 2026
- Dana White's comments suggest a title shot is within reach if Tsarukyan manages his conduct
- The Chimaev-Strickland training room moment raises questions about a potential future cross-divisional matchup
