Arman Tsarukyan stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely because Makhachev will likely retire after a couple more fights. Tsarukyan believes he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. He expressed confidence that when people see him, they will think of the UFC. Dana White commented that he likes Tsarukyan's current activity level and that Arman is close to earning a title shot as long as he stops acting like a "maniac." White also called Tsarukyan a "tough bastard." The post also mentioned other news items, including that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will be coaches on a new season of The Ultimate Fighter, and that Khamzat Chimaev made Ikram Aliskerov tap in 40 seconds during sparring.
Arman Tsarukyan has laid out a bold vision for his future in the UFC, declaring that he expects to capture a title within a year and become the public face of the promotion — while casting doubt on ever sharing the cage with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Speaking in a recent interview, Tsarukyan suggested that a fight with Makhachev is unlikely to materialise because he believes the champion will retire after just a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan went further, predicting that once he holds gold, fans will associate his face with the UFC itself.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1-0 record and currently holds the welterweight title while ranking at the top of the pound-for-pound list. The Russian southpaw, who trains out of Eagles MMA, lands 3.2 takedowns per fifteen minutes and converts strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most complete fighters on the roster.
UFC president Dana White offered a measured endorsement of Tsarukyan's trajectory, saying he appreciates the Armenian fighter's recent activity level and that a title shot is within reach — provided Tsarukyan stops behaving like a, in White's words, "maniac." White also described him as a "tough bastard," signalling genuine respect for his toughness and output.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's title ambitions put the lightweight division's near-term future in focus, with Makhachev's longevity now a genuine storyline.
- White's conditional praise suggests the promotion is watching Tsarukyan closely as a top contender but wants more disciplined conduct.
- If Makhachev does step away sooner than expected, Tsarukyan would be well positioned as one of the division's most active and credible challengers.
