Dana White praised Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and stated that to secure a title fight, Tsarukyan simply needs to stop behaving like a "maniac." In response, Tsarukyan expressed doubt about fighting Islam Makhachev, predicting the champion will retire after a couple more fights. Tsarukyan claimed he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. The post also mentions Robert Whittaker denied rumors about fighting Magomed Ankalaev, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, and Paulo Costa stated he enjoys fighting Russians because they are tough like Brazilians.
Dana White has offered Arman Tsarukyan a clear path to a lightweight title shot, telling the Armenian contender he is close to earning the fight — provided he cleans up his behavior outside the cage.
Speaking publicly, White praised Tsarukyan's recent activity level and willingness to compete, but noted that the contender simply needs to stop acting like a "maniac" to get the call. Tsarukyan responded with skepticism, suggesting he may never get the chance to face reigning champion Islam Makhachev, whom he predicted will retire after just a couple more fights. The confident contender went further, claiming he will dominate the lightweight division within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the lightweight title and carries a 28-1-0 record. The Dagestan native, who now competes at welterweight per the database, is also ranked first in the pound-for-pound standings. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.
Elsewhere in the same news cycle, middleweight Paulo Costa dismissed any suggestion that fighting Russian opponents bothers him, stating he enjoys those matchups because Russian fighters are as tough and physical as Brazilians. Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," holds a 16-4-0 record and ranks 13th in the middleweight division at 35 years old. He is one of the sport's most prolific volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Also mentioned in the same report, light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev denied rumors linking him to a fight with Robert Whittaker. Ankalaev sits at 21-2-1 and is ranked first in the light heavyweight division and fifth pound-for-pound at 34 years old. The Russian fighter stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and lands 3.65 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's title shot timeline hinges on conduct as much as performance, according to the promotion's own leadership
- Makhachev's long-term future at lightweight remains a topic of open speculation following Tsarukyan's retirement prediction
- Ankalaev's denial keeps his next opponent unclear despite his position as the division's top contender
