Arman Tsarukyan has recently voiced concerns surrounding the lightweight title picture, stirring debate over who deserves the next shot at UFC champion Ilia Topuria. Following Topuria’s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last month, question marks have emerged around contenders like Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Tsarukyan argues that Gaethje should secure a win against him before earning a title fight, emphasizing fairness in this high-stakes division.
Recent Lightweight Championship and Contenders’ Status
Ilia Topuria clinched the vacant lightweight belt by defeating Charles Oliveira, quickly placing contenders such as Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Paddy Pimblett in the spotlight. Currently, Paddy Pimblett appears to have the inside track for a title challenge, boosted by his faceoff with Topuria at UFC 317. However, no official bout has been confirmed yet, and Tsarukyan is eager to clarify the scenario with his own plan.
Tsarukyan’s Critique of Gaethje’s Title Fight Credentials
Speaking to Chuck Liddell on the Out Cold show, Tsarukyan questioned Gaethje’s entitlement to a title shot, noting his recent losses and short-notice victories. Tsarukyan stated,
“Of course I want Islam [Makhachev], but right now, it makes sense to fight with Gaethje, because he just beat the No. 11 or so [Rafael] Fiziev,”
He added,
“He doesn’t deserve title fight. That’s 100 percent, because he just lost [to Max] Holloway. Beat, on short notice, Fiziev. Fiziev knew about the fight five days, and he won, barely, a decision. Now he’s talking about title fight. It’s not fair. I think he’s got to beat me to deserve to fight for the title.”
Gaethje’s Recent Career Trajectory and Title Aspirations
Gaethje was once considered the next challenger for then-champion Islam Makhachev before opting to defend his ‘BMF’ belt against Max Holloway at UFC 300, a bout he lost by knockout. He bounced back by defeating Rafael Fiziev via unanimous decision at UFC 313. Since then, Gaethje has pushed for the title opportunity he postponed earlier in his career and has even hinted at retirement if he is denied the chance. The UFC, however, has yet to make a definitive decision on his status.
Tsarukyan’s Position After UFC 311 Withdrawal and Backup Role
Earlier this year, Tsarukyan appeared destined for a title fight when scheduled to meet Makhachev at UFC 311. His withdrawal from the fight on the eve of the event strained his relationship with the UFC. He later served as the backup fighter during UFC 317’s main event but received no guarantees about a forthcoming title shot. Tsarukyan insists that any matchup he accepts must make competitive sense rather than mere financial gain.
He explained,
“They offered me a fight. I said no because I want to fight ranked fighter from top 5,”
and continued,
“I’m in the position, I’m not fighting for the money right now. I just want to be a champion. Now my goal is to be a champion, that’s why I’m not taking a fight I will just beat [someone]. I know I can beat everybody. Right now, I want to pick a good fight for me and get back to the title fight.”
Additional UFC News and Fighter Updates
Elsewhere in the UFC landscape, Conor McGregor announced his return to the UFC drug-testing pool, expressing excitement about his comeback readiness. Rising heavyweight contender Dricus du Plessis praised Tom Aspinall as the “next generation of heavyweight,” while Jon Jones prepares for two bench trials related to a recent accident incident. Mike Perry dismissed talk of a fight with McGregor, claiming fighters remain under UFC control despite rumors.
Contention also arose from Vitor Belfort, who criticized boxing content creators and questioned Jake Paul’s legitimacy as a fighter. Michelle Waterson-Gomez shared her reflections on retirement and the struggles fighters face when contemplating comebacks.
Fan Reactions and Online Discourse Around UFC Matches
Online, fighter Johnny Eblen expressed frustration after a recent match, noting a lack of effective strategy from his opponent. He remarked,
“He lost almost every round except the 4th. So if his training strategy was to lose almost every round and then try a Hail Mary in the last 30 secs then buddy you need a new game plan. And yes that’s luck. You had a 30 sec streak of luck. I had 20 mins of dominance.”
— Johnny Eblen, Fighter
Randy Brown shared enthusiasm for a potential matchup against Drod, believing they would put on an exciting fight with a decisive outcome. Meanwhile, Reinier de Ridder announced his intention to secure a title shot before the end of 2025, calling out Israel Adesanya for a possible showdown at MSG or Abu Dhabi this November.
Upcoming UFC Fight Cards and Potential Lightweight Matchups
Looking ahead, key upcoming bouts include Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa at UFC 319 on August 16 and Lone’er Kavanagh facing Charles Johnson at UFC Shanghai on August 23. Some fans suggest an ideal lightweight lineup might feature Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett and Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria, though these are unlikely to arrange soon. Tsarukyan vs. Gaethje could be the next fight, possibly marking Gaethje’s final career bout, which might dampen enthusiasm for such a significant ending.
Debate Continues Over Gaethje’s Place in the Title Picture
The Justin Gaethje title fight debate remains heated, with major contenders and fans divided on who deserves the next shot. Tsarukyan’s insistence that Gaethje must prove himself against him before advancing keeps the conversation tense and uncertain. As the lightweight division continues to evolve rapidly, Dana White and UFC officials face mounting pressure to finalize the next championship challenger. This decision will shape the trajectory of the lightweight title and impact fans’ expectations in a division teeming with talent.