Robert Whittaker has denied rumors linking him to a fight with Magomed Ankalaev. Dana White commented positively on Arman Tsarukyan's recent activity, stating that to earn a title shot, Tsarukyan simply needs to avoid behaving like a maniac. Tsarukyan himself stated that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as he believes Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights. The Armenian fighter expressed confidence that he will capture the UFC lightweight division within a year and become the face of the sport. Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have been announced as coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter.
Robert Whittaker has moved to shut down speculation linking him to a bout with Magomed Ankalaev, while Dana White offered public encouragement to Arman Tsarukyan as the Armenian lightweight chases a title shot against Islam Makhachev.
Whittaker, a former UFC middleweight champion, flatly denied reports that a fight with the top-ranked light heavyweight contender Ankalaev was in the works. Ankalaev carries a 21-2-1 record and sits at number one in the light heavyweight division, ranked fifth pound-for-pound. The 34-year-old Russian out of Gorets Fight Club stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and lands 3.65 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in the 205-pound class.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, received a notable endorsement from UFC president Dana White, who suggested the lightweight contender is close to earning a title shot — provided he stays out of trouble. Tsarukyan himself was direct about the road ahead, expressing doubt that a fight with champion Islam Makhachev will materialize, predicting Makhachev will retire within a couple more fights. The Armenian fighter stated he expects to capture the lightweight title and become the face of the sport within a year.
Makhachev holds a 28-1 record, currently competes at welterweight per the database, and is the reigning champion with a pound-for-pound ranking of first. The 34-year-old southpaw from Russia averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and posts a striking accuracy of 58 percent, underlining the scale of the challenge Tsarukyan is targeting.
Separately, the UFC announced that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as opposing coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, 47, compiled a 30-9 professional record across his career and is a former UFC middleweight champion in his own right.
Why it matters
- Whittaker's denial clears up light heavyweight booking speculation and leaves Ankalaev's next opponent uncertain
- White's comments put Tsarukyan on notice that a lightweight title shot is within reach pending conduct
- Bisping and Cormier as TUF coaches sets up a high-profile rivalry dynamic for the upcoming season
