Arman Tsarukyan expressed doubts that his fight with Islam Makhachev will materialize, suggesting Makhachev will retire after a couple more bouts. Tsarukyan stated he will dominate the sport within a year and become the face of the UFC, with only the title remaining to be captured. Dana White commented positively on Tsarukyan's current activity level, indicating that he only needs to avoid behaving erratically to secure a title shot. Additionally, the post mentions that Robert Whittaker denied rumors of a bout with Magomed Ankalaev, and Paulo Costa stated he enjoys fighting Russians, calling them as tough as Brazilians.
Arman Tsarukyan has made bold declarations about his future in the sport, stating publicly that he expects to become the face of the UFC within the next year — with only the lightweight title standing between him and that goal.
Tsarukyan also cast doubt on whether a long-anticipated matchup with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will ever come together, suggesting Makhachev may retire after just a couple more fights. Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and holds the lightweight title, currently ranking as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy while also averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most complete fighters in the sport. UFC president Dana White offered measured praise for Tsarukyan's recent activity level, suggesting that a title shot is within reach as long as the Armenian contender stays the course.
Separately, light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev denied reports that he is set to face Robert Whittaker. Ankalaev sits at number one in the light heavyweight rankings and fifth in the pound-for-pound standings, holding a 21-2-1 record. The 34-year-old Russian stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and has been one of the division's most dangerous finishers.
Middleweight Paulo Costa also weighed in from the media circuit, expressing his appreciation for competing against Russian fighters and comparing their toughness favorably to that of Brazilians. Costa, nicknamed "The Eraser," owns a 16-4 record and ranks thirteenth in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Brazilian is among the sport's highest-volume strikers, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan's public skepticism about Makhachev's longevity adds pressure to the UFC to finalize lightweight title picture
- Ankalaev's denial of the Whittaker matchup leaves the light heavyweight division's next major booking unresolved
- Dana White's comments signal Tsarukyan remains in pole position for a title shot if he stays active and professional
