Dana White stated he is pleased with Arman Tsarukyan's current fight activity. White indicated that Tsarukyan is close to earning a title shot and only needs to avoid behaving erratically. Tsarukyan himself expressed confidence about becoming the face of the UFC within a year. The Armenian fighter suggested Islam Makhachev will retire after a couple more fights, creating an opening for him. Tsarukyan believes capturing the title is all that remains for him to dominate the sport.
UFC president Dana White has voiced his approval of Arman Tsarukyan's recent workload, signaling that the lightweight contender is positioning himself for a shot at the division's title.
Tsarukyan, known by the nickname "Ahalkalakets," holds a 23-3-0 record and sits at number one in the lightweight rankings at just 29 years old. The Russia-based Armenian fighter trains out of American Top Team and brings a well-rounded offensive game to the octagon, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute alongside 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. White indicated that Tsarukyan is close to earning a title opportunity, with the only requirement being that he continues to conduct himself without incident.
Tsarukyan himself has not been short on confidence, expressing his belief that he will become the face of the UFC within a year. He also suggested that reigning champion Islam Makhachev will retire after a few more fights, which in Tsarukyan's view would leave the throne vacant for him to claim. He views capturing the lightweight title as the final step needed to establish his dominance over the sport.
Makhachev, 34, currently holds the lightweight title and carries a 28-1-0 record. Fighting out of Eagles MMA and representing Russia, the southpaw champion is a technically precise fighter, landing strikes at 58 percent accuracy while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes — a combination that has made him one of the most complete fighters in the sport.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's number-one ranking and Dana White's public praise put him in prime position for a lightweight title fight
- A matchup between the two would pit Tsarukyan's high-volume striking against Makhachev's elite grappling and accuracy
- Tsarukyan's comments about Makhachev's timeline add a personal dimension to what is already one of the division's most anticipated potential bouts
