Dana White commented positively on Arman Tsarukyan's recent activity level, stating that the Armenian fighter is close to earning a title shot. According to White, Tsarukyan now only needs to avoid behaving erratically to secure his championship opportunity. The comments come amid ongoing drama between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan himself stated he believes he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he captures the title. He also expressed doubt that a fight with Makhachev will materialize, suggesting the champion will retire after a couple more bouts.
UFC president Dana White has spoken favorably about lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, saying the 29-year-old is on the verge of earning a title shot and needs only to keep his behavior in check to secure the opportunity.
Tsarukyan, who fights out of American Top Team, carries a 23-3 record and holds the number-one ranking in the lightweight division. The Russia-born Armenian stands five-foot-seven with a notably long 72-inch reach and brings a well-rounded offensive game to the cage, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute alongside an active grappling attack of 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. He has made no secret of his ambitions, stating publicly that he expects to dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC once he wins the title. He also cast doubt on a potential matchup with the champion ever happening, suggesting Islam Makhachev will retire after just a couple more fights.
Makhachev is the reigning champion at 28-1-0 and, at 34 years old, sits at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The Russian southpaw is known for elite grappling efficiency, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, while also posting a striking accuracy of 58 percent. His situation is currently complicated by ongoing drama surrounding a potential fight with Ilia Topuria.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and first pound-for-pound at just 29 years old, holds a 17-1 record and fights out of Spain. The Georgian-born finisher averages an aggressive 4.81 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the most active offensive fighters in the sport.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the division's top-ranked contender and appears one step from a title shot according to White
- Ongoing negotiations or tensions between Makhachev and Topuria could open or close the path for Tsarukyan
- A potential Tsarukyan title challenge would pit the division's top grappling threats against each other, with Tsarukyan's 72-inch reach adding a physical wrinkle
