Dana White commented that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and stated that to get a title shot, Tsarukyan just needs to avoid acting like a maniac. The UFC president's remarks suggest Tsarukyan is close to earning a championship opportunity. White's comments imply that behavioral concerns may have previously been a factor in title shot considerations. Tsarukyan himself stated he believes Islam Makhachev will retire soon and that he will become the face of UFC within a year after capturing the title. The post also mentions that Robert Whittaker denied rumors of a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, and that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
UFC president Dana White indicated on April 9 that lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan is on the cusp of a title shot, telling media that he appreciates Tsarukyan's recent activity inside the cage and that staying out of trouble is essentially all that stands between the Armenian-Russian fighter and a championship opportunity.
White's remarks carry an implicit acknowledgment that off-cage behavior has factored into title shot discussions surrounding Tsarukyan in the past. By framing the path forward as a matter of conduct rather than competitive résumé, the UFC president signals that the matchmaking groundwork may already be laid.
Tsarukyan himself has not been shy about his ambitions. He stated publicly that he believes reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will retire in the near future, and that he expects to become the face of the UFC within a year of capturing the belt. Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record, carries the pound-for-pound top ranking, and is an active champion known for his grappling output of 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Separately, light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev denied reports that he has agreed to fight Robert Whittaker. Ankalaev, ranked first in the light heavyweight division and fifth pound-for-pound at 34 years old, carries a 21-2-1 record and lands 3.65 significant strikes per minute. Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight with a 27-9-0 record, pushed back on the same reports. The six-foot Australian averages 4.39 significant strikes per minute and has been one of the more active veterans in the promotion.
In coaching news, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier were announced as coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Why it matters
- A Tsarukyan title shot would set up a rematch with Makhachev, who submitted Tsarukyan in their first meeting
- White tying the opportunity to conduct rather than rankings underscores the UFC's discretionary approach to title shot allocation
- The Ankalaev-Whittaker denial leaves the light heavyweight division's contender picture unsettled
