Dana White commented that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level in the UFC. White stated that Tsarukyan just needs to avoid behaving like a maniac to secure a title shot. The UFC president suggested that a title fight is within reach for the Armenian fighter. Tsarukyan himself claimed that Islam Makhachev will likely retire after a couple more fights and that he will dominate the sport within a year. Tsarukyan predicted he will become the face of UFC once he captures the title.
UFC president Dana White offered a public endorsement of Arman Tsarukyan on Wednesday, telling reporters he is impressed by the lightweight contender's work rate and suggesting a title shot is close at hand — provided Tsarukyan keeps his behavior in check.
Tsarukyan, nicknamed "Ahalkalakets," enters the conversation as the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC. The 29-year-old Russian-born fighter trains out of American Top Team and carries a 23-3 record. He is one of the division's most active offensive threats, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute while also posting 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a genuinely two-dimensional problem for any opponent. His reach of 72 inches is notable for a fighter standing five-foot-seven.
Standing in his way is lightweight and pound-for-pound champion Islam Makhachev, a 34-year-old Russian fighting out of Eagles MMA who holds a 28-1 record. Makhachev has built his dominance on elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent. He is currently listed in the welterweight division in the database, though he holds the lightweight title.
Tsarukyan did not hold back in his own assessment of the situation, claiming that Makhachev will likely retire after a few more fights and predicting that he will take over as the face of the UFC once he captures the championship.
Why it matters
- White's comments move Tsarukyan closer to an official title shot, with the UFC president framing it as a near-term possibility rather than a distant target
- Tsarukyan's combination of volume striking and takedown output makes him a stylistically unique challenge for the grappling-heavy Makhachev
- A fight between the two would pit the division's top contender against one of the sport's most accomplished champions, with clear pound-for-pound implications on the line
