Dana White commented that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level but advised him to stop being a 'maniac' to secure a title shot. White also called Tsarukyan a 'tough bastard' while discussing his prospects. Tsarukyan himself stated that to get a title fight, he just needs to avoid acting like a maniac. Arman expressed doubt that a fight with Islam Makhachev will happen, suggesting Islam will retire after a couple more fights. Tsarukyan claimed he will capture the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he gets the title. The post also mentions that Robert Whittaker denied rumors of a fight with Magomed Ankalaev.
UFC president Dana White weighed in on lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan's title shot prospects this week, offering both praise and pointed advice for the Armenian-born fighter.
White described Tsarukyan as a "tough bastard" and expressed approval of his recent activity level, but told him plainly that he needs to stop being a "maniac" if he wants to earn a shot at the lightweight championship. Tsarukyan himself echoed that sentiment, saying that securing a title fight comes down to simply avoiding that kind of behavior.
Tsarukyan also cast doubt on ever getting the fight with reigning lightweight and pound-for-pound champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting the 34-year-old Russian may retire after just a couple more fights. Despite that uncertainty, Tsarukyan was bold in his ambitions, claiming he will capture a title within a year and position himself as the face of the UFC.
Makhachev, who holds a 28-1 record and is currently listed as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, has been one of the most dominant champions in recent memory, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connecting on 58 percent of his significant strikes.
Separately, middleweight contender Robert Whittaker addressed and denied rumors linking him to a fight with light heavyweight number-one contender Magomed Ankalaev. Whittaker, 35, carries a 27-9 record and competes at middleweight, while Ankalaev, also 34, is ranked fifth pound-for-pound and sits just outside the light heavyweight title picture with a 21-2-1 mark.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's path to the lightweight title hinges on conduct as much as performance, according to White
- Makhachev's potential retirement timeline could reshape the entire 155-pound division
- Whittaker's denial puts to rest speculation about a cross-divisional or weight-class move
