Dana White stated that he likes Arman Tsarukyan's current level of activity and indicated that the Armenian fighter simply needs to avoid behaving like a maniac to secure a title shot. Tsarukyan himself expressed confidence about taking over the sport within a year and becoming the face of the UFC once he captures the title. He suggested that a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as Makhachev will likely retire after a couple more bouts. The post also mentioned that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier will serve as coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Additionally, it referenced bizarre behavior from Josh Hockett, who has been harassing fighters in the lobby and making strange statements.
Dana White has made clear that Arman Tsarukyan is close to a lightweight title shot, but the UFC president attached one condition: the Armenian contender simply needs to keep his behavior in check.
White indicated he approves of Tsarukyan's recent activity levels and that staying out of trouble off the mat is essentially all that stands between him and a crack at the belt. Tsarukyan, for his part, projected serious confidence, stating he expects to take over the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he wins the title. He also suggested a fight with current champion Islam Makhachev may not materialize, predicting that Makhachev will retire after just a couple more bouts.
Makhachev, 34, is the reigning welterweight champion out of Russia and carries a 28-1-0 record. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport today. He currently holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking.
Separately, the report noted that Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier are set to serve as opposing coaches on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. Bisping, 47, fought out of England and compiled a 30-9-0 record across his career, averaging an impressive 4.33 significant strikes per minute. Cormier, also 47, went 22-3-0 and was known for both his striking output of 4.25 significant strikes per minute and a consistent takedown game at 1.83 per 15 minutes.
The report also flagged unusual conduct from Josh Hockett, who has apparently been approaching and harassing fighters in a lobby setting while making erratic statements.
Why it matters
- A title shot in the lightweight division, one of the UFC's deepest, carries major divisional weight
- Tsarukyan's timeline hinges entirely on his own conduct, not competition results
- The Bisping-Cormier coaching matchup adds two decorated former champions to TUF's next cycle
