Dana White stated that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and that to secure a title shot, Tsarukyan simply needs to avoid behaving like a maniac. Tsarukyan himself commented that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as Makhachev will likely retire in a couple of fights, and that he plans to capture the title and become the face of the UFC within a year. The post also mentions that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Additional brief notes mention Paulo Costa saying he loves fighting Russians because they're tough like Brazilians, Robert Whittaker denying rumors about fighting Magomed Ankalaev, and Khamzat Chimaev submitting an unnamed opponent in 40 seconds. Josh Hockit's bizarre behavior is also described as him wandering around the lobby bothering fighters with strange monologues.
Dana White has weighed in on Arman Tsarukyan's path to a lightweight title shot, telling the Armenian contender that his activity level is exactly where it needs to be — and that staying out of trouble off the canvas is essentially the only remaining box to check.
Tsarukyan, for his part, sounded confident about his timeline. He suggested a clash with reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev may never materialize, reasoning that Makhachev is likely to retire within a couple of fights. Tsarukyan added that he intends to capture the title and establish himself as the face of the UFC within the next year.
Makhachev currently sits atop both the welterweight division and the pound-for-pound rankings at 34 years old, carrying a 28-1-0 record. The Russian champion, who fights out of Eagles MMA, lands 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and connects on 58 percent of his significant strikes, averaging 2.63 per minute — numbers that underline why any path to that belt is considered among the steepest climbs in the sport.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's public confidence signals he sees himself as the division's next title challenger regardless of Makhachev's plans.
- White's endorsement of Tsarukyan's activity level suggests the promotion views him as a credible contender in the near term.
- If Makhachev does retire sooner than expected, the lightweight throne opens up, raising the stakes of every contender bout in the division.
Elsewhere in the news cycle, Michael Bisping — the 47-year-old former middleweight champion from England with a 30-9-0 professional record — and Daniel Cormier are set to coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Paulo Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight with a 16-4-0 record and one of the sport's highest significant strike rates at 6.26 per minute, said he welcomes matchups against Russian fighters, comparing their toughness to Brazilians. Robert Whittaker denied reports linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev, and Khamzat Chimaev reportedly submitted an opponent in 40 seconds.
