Dana White stated he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current activity level and that Tsarukyan only needs to avoid behaving like a 'maniac' to secure a title shot. Tsarukyan himself expressed confidence he will become the face of UFC within a year once he captures the title. He suggested Islam Makhachev's career may end in a couple of fights, making their potential bout unlikely. Robert Whittaker denied rumors about fighting Magomed Ankalaev. Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Paulo Costa commented that he enjoys fighting Russians because they are tough like Brazilians.
Arman Tsarukyan is on the verge of a UFC lightweight title shot, with Dana White indicating the Armenian-Russian contender simply needs to keep his behavior in check to earn the opportunity. White praised Tsarukyan's recent activity level and said avoiding conduct he described as acting like a "maniac" is all that stands between the fighter and a championship bout.
Tsarukyan himself spoke with confidence about his future, claiming he expects to become the face of the UFC within a year once he captures the belt. He also cast doubt on a potential clash with reigning champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting Makhachev's career could wind down within a couple of fights.
Makhachev currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings and holds a 28-1-0 record. The 34-year-old Russian champion competes out of Eagles MMA and is known for his elite grappling, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Elsewhere in the news, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker denied circulating reports linking him to a fight against Magomed Ankalaev. No further details on that situation were confirmed.
On the broadcasting side, Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier are set to serve as opposing coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, 47, holds a professional record of 30-9-0 and is a former UFC middleweight champion from England.
Paulo Costa, ranked 13th in the middleweight division with a 16-4-0 record, also made headlines with remarks about his opponents. The 35-year-old Brazilian said he enjoys competing against Russian fighters because of their toughness, comparing it to the physical style he associates with Brazilian competition. Costa averages an imposing 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute and carries a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's title shot hinges on conduct as much as performance, an unusual dynamic in contender positioning
- Makhachev's lightweight reign could face a new challenger sooner than expected if the UFC moves forward
- Bisping and Cormier coaching TUF adds a high-profile mentorship angle to the next season
