Dana White has commented favorably on Arman Tsarukyan's recent fighting activity. According to White, Tsarukyan now only needs to avoid behaving "like a maniac" to secure a title shot. The UFC president's comments suggest Tsarukyan is very close to earning a championship opportunity based on his recent performances and activity level. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan himself stated he believes a fight with Islam Makhachev is unlikely as Makhachev may retire after a couple more fights, and that he plans to capture the title and become the face of the UFC within a year.
UFC President Dana White has publicly praised Arman Tsarukyan's recent activity level and indicated the Armenian-Russian contender is on the verge of earning a lightweight title shot, provided he keeps his conduct in check.
Tsarukyan, 29, enters this conversation as the number-one ranked lightweight in the UFC, carrying a record of 23-3-0. Fighting out of American Top Team, the orthodox striker known as "Ahalkalakets" has been one of the division's most active and productive fighters, averaging 3.85 significant strikes per minute and 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. White's comments suggest that level of consistent output has not gone unnoticed at the top of the organization. The UFC president's only caveat, according to the report, was that Tsarukyan needs to avoid acting like a "maniac" to get the opportunity.
Standing in the way — at least in theory — is lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who holds a record of 28-1-0 and is ranked pound-for-pound at the top of the UFC's rankings. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains with Eagles MMA, is a suffocating all-around threat, landing strikes at 58 percent accuracy while averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes. Makhachev currently competes at welterweight per the verified data on file, though he has long been the dominant force in the 155-pound division.
Tsarukyan himself added a notable wrinkle to the title picture, stating he believes a fight with Makhachev may never materialize because Makhachev could retire after just a few more bouts. Tsarukyan went further, declaring his intention to capture the title and establish himself as the face of the UFC within a year.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's number-one ranking and strong recent activity put him directly in line for a title shot
- White's comments signal organizational support for the matchup moving forward
- Tsarukyan's belief that Makhachev may retire adds urgency and uncertainty to the lightweight title picture
- A matchup between two elite grapplers with high striking output would represent one of the division's most anticipated contests
