Arman Tsarukyan stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely because Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan predicted he will take over the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC. He believes people will think of the UFC when they see him, but first he needs to capture the title. Dana White commented that he likes Tsarukyan's current activity level and that a title shot now depends on Arman not acting like a 'maniac.' The post also mentions White called Tsarukyan a 'tough bastard.'
Arman Tsarukyan has made clear he intends to become the face of the UFC, predicting he will take over the sport within a year — but acknowledged a showdown with current champion Islam Makhachev may never happen.
Speaking publicly, Tsarukyan expressed his belief that Makhachev will retire after just a couple more fights, effectively removing the most direct path to a title unification. Despite that, the 29-year-old Armenian-Russian fighter said he expects fans to associate his name with the UFC itself once he captures championship gold.
Tsarukyan, known as "Ahalkalakets," enters this moment as the ranked number-one contender at lightweight. He carries a 23-3 record and trains out of American Top Team. At five-foot-seven with a 72-inch reach, he is a physically dynamic fighter who lands 3.85 significant strikes per minute and pairs that output with a takedown rate of 3.26 per 15 minutes — a well-rounded threat on the feet and on the mat.
Makhachev, meanwhile, holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop both the lightweight — listed here as welterweight in the database — division and the pound-for-pound rankings at age 34. The Russian champion, fighting out of Eagles MMA, has built his dominance on elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate.
UFC president Dana White weighed in as well, noting he approves of Tsarukyan's recent activity level while adding that a title shot depends on Arman avoiding reckless behavior. White reportedly called him a "tough bastard" — a characterization that doubles as both a compliment and a subtle warning.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the division's top contender, and his path to the belt now appears to hinge on timing rather than just performance.
- If Makhachev does retire sooner than expected, a vacant title scenario could accelerate Tsarukyan's opportunity significantly.
- White's comments suggest organizational support is conditional, adding a political layer to an already compelling divisional picture.
