Dana White said he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and indicated that to secure a title shot, Tsarukyan simply needs to avoid acting like a 'maniac.' White also called the Armenian fighter a 'tough bastard.' Separately, Tsarukyan expressed doubt that his potential fight with Islam Makhachev will happen, believing Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights. Tsarukyan stated he plans to dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. The post also mentions Robert Whittaker denying rumors about fighting Magomed Ankalaev.
UFC president Dana White has publicly endorsed Arman Tsarukyan's recent work rate while offering a simple formula for the Armenian lightweight contender to earn a title shot: stay out of trouble.
White praised Tsarukyan as a "tough bastard" and expressed approval of how active the fighter has been, suggesting that as long as Tsarukyan avoids behaving like a "maniac," a shot at the lightweight title should follow naturally.
That title is currently held by Islam Makhachev, who carries a 28-1 record and holds pound-for-pound recognition as the sport's top fighter. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA has built one of the most dominant championship runs in recent memory, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Tsarukyan, however, expressed skepticism that the fight will materialize at all, suggesting Makhachev may retire after only a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan went on to claim he expects to capture the title within a year and establish himself as the face of the UFC.
Why it matters
- A Tsarukyan title shot would be one of the most anticipated lightweight matchups available, given his previous history with Makhachev.
- Makhachev's potential retirement timeline adds genuine uncertainty to the lightweight division's future.
- White's public stamp of approval signals Tsarukyan remains firmly in the title picture provided he stays disciplined outside the octagon.
Separately, middleweight contender Robert Whittaker pushed back on rumors linking him to a fight with light heavyweight number-one contender Magomed Ankalaev. Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight with a 27-9 record, is a 35-year-old Australian known for his striking output of 4.39 significant strikes per minute. Ankalaev, a 34-year-old Russian standing six-foot-three with a 21-2-1 record, sits fifth in the pound-for-pound rankings. Whittaker denied the pairing is in the works.
