Arman Tsarukyan made bold predictions about his future in the UFC during a recent interview. He expressed doubt that a fight with Islam Makhachev will happen, suggesting Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan claimed that within a year, he will take over the sport and become the face of the UFC, with people thinking of him when they think of the promotion. Meanwhile, Dana White commented positively on Tsarukyan's current activity level, stating that all Arman needs to do to get a title shot is to stop acting like a "maniac." White also called Tsarukyan a "tough bastard." The post also mentions that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will be the new coaching pair for an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Arman Tsarukyan has set his sights firmly on becoming the defining figure of the UFC, making sweeping predictions about his future during a recent interview while UFC president Dana White weighed in on what it would take for the Armenian contender to earn a title shot.
Tsarukyan expressed serious doubt that a fight with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will ever materialize, suggesting Makhachev will retire after just a couple more bouts. He went further, claiming that within a year he will take over the sport entirely and become synonymous with the UFC brand itself. White, for his part, spoke positively about Tsarukyan's activity level, calling him a "tough bastard" and saying all Tsarukyan needs to secure a title shot is to stop acting like a "maniac."
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the welterweight title and carries a 28-1-0 record. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is ranked pound-for-pound and has built his reputation on relentless pressure, landing 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes while connecting at a 58 percent striking accuracy rate.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's bold timeline puts him on a collision course with the lightweight division's near-term future, especially if Makhachev does step away sooner than expected.
- White's comments suggest a title shot is within reach for Tsarukyan, contingent on his conduct outside of competition.
- The rivalry between the two fighters adds an extra layer of intrigue, as Tsarukyan has now publicly written off the possibility of ever sharing the Octagon with Makhachev.
Separately, the interview note includes word that former UFC champions Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will pair up as coaches for an upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, 47, finished his career at 30-9-0, while Cormier, also 47, retired with a 22-3-0 record, and the two bring considerable combined experience to the coaching roles.
