Dana White stated that he is pleased with Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and that Tsarukyan only needs to avoid behaving like a "maniac" to secure a title shot. White also referred to Tsarukyan as a "tough bastard" in his comments. The statement suggests Tsarukyan is close to earning a championship opportunity if he continues on his current path. Tsarukyan himself stated he believes Islam Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights, expressing confidence that he will capture the title within a year and become the face of the UFC. White's comments indicate Tsarukyan's position in the lightweight division is strong.
UFC president Dana White has publicly endorsed Arman Tsarukyan as a lightweight title contender, telling media that the Armenian-Russian fighter is close to earning a championship shot — provided he keeps his behavior in check.
White praised Tsarukyan's activity level and described him as a "tough bastard," while adding that the 29-year-old only needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to secure a fight for the belt. The comments signal that Tsarukyan's standing at the top of the lightweight division is well recognized by UFC brass.
Tsarukyan, who fights out of American Top Team, currently holds the number-one contender spot in the lightweight division with a record of 23-3-0. Standing five-foot-seven with a notably long 72-inch reach, he is one of the more well-rounded threats in the division, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute alongside 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. He has also expressed confidence that he will capture the lightweight title within a year, predicting that reigning champion Islam Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights and that he will become the face of the UFC.
Makhachev, 34, holds a record of 28-1-0 and is the current lightweight champion. The Russian finisher averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most technically complete champions on the roster.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan sits at number one in the lightweight rankings, putting him directly in line for the next title shot
- White's public comments add significant weight to Tsarukyan's candidacy and suggest internal momentum behind the matchup
- A potential clash between two Russian fighters with strong grappling and striking credentials sets up an intriguing stylistic matchup at 155 pounds
