Dana White commented that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and that to secure a title shot, Tsarukyan simply needs to avoid acting like a "maniac." White also referred to Tsarukyan as a "tough bastard." Meanwhile, Tsarukyan himself stated he believes a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan expressed confidence he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. The post also mentions that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will be the new coaching pair for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Dana White has publicly outlined what Arman Tsarukyan needs to do to earn a lightweight title shot, telling media he appreciates the Armenian contender's recent activity but warning the fighter must keep his off-cage behavior in check.
White praised Tsarukyan's work rate and called him a "tough bastard," while making clear the path to a title opportunity is straightforward — stay out of trouble and avoid acting like a "maniac." The UFC president stopped short of confirming any timeline or formal booking.
Tsarukyan himself weighed in on his own future, casting doubt on a showdown with current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. The contender suggested Makhachev is likely to retire after a few more fights, making a matchup between the two improbable. Tsarukyan expressed strong confidence that he will dominate the division within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and is the reigning champion, currently listed as the pound-for-pound top fighter in the world. The Russian southpaw competes out of Eagles MMA and carries elite grappling credentials alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's title ambitions hinge as much on conduct as on performance, according to White's comments
- Makhachev's potential retirement timeline, if accurate, would reshape the entire lightweight title picture
- A title shot for Tsarukyan without facing Makhachev would raise significant questions about the division's pecking order
Separately, White confirmed that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as the coaching duo for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, 47, finished his career 30-9-0, while Cormier, also 47, retired with a 22-3-0 mark across two weight classes. Both are former champions and current UFC broadcast personalities.
