Arman Tsarukyan has publicly dismissed Justin Gaethje’s insistence on receiving another UFC Lightweight Championship opportunity, stating that Gaethje has not earned the shot. Gaethje has persistently called for the next title fight and even threatened to retire if he is overlooked for the 155-pound belt. While UFC President Dana White respects Gaethje, he has expressed displeasure with the fighter’s demands.
Tsarukyan critiques Gaethje’s recent performances
Ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, Tsarukyan spoke with Chuck Liddell on the Out Cold Show, highlighting why Gaethje’s recent bouts do not justify an immediate title opportunity. Tsarukyan emphasized that although he is eager to face reigning champion Islam Makhachev, it currently makes more sense to fight Gaethje, given his latest win against Rafael Fiziev, who was ranked around No. 11.
Tsarukyan said,
“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,”
and 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.”
—Arman Tsarukyan, UFC lightweight contender
Recent UFC events and Tsarukyan’s backup role
Tsarukyan was the backup fighter for the UFC 317 main event lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, although he was not called upon since both fighters made weight. Topuria won the fight via first-round knockout. After UFC 317, Dana White addressed whether Tsarukyan would receive the next title shot against Makhachev, suggesting it was unlikely but indicating that Tsarukyan might be gradually regaining favor despite previous setbacks.
Tsarukyan’s past withdrawals and declined rematch impact title chances
Tsarukyan faced criticism for withdrawing from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev just hours before the UFC 311 weigh-ins. The fighter also declined a rematch against Mateusz Gamrot, believing the bout did not align with his current ranking status. These decisions have contributed to uncertainty about when Tsarukyan might next compete for a championship.
Implications for the lightweight division and future matchups
The ongoing debate over Justin Gaethje’s UFC title demand exposes tension in the lightweight division, with Tsarukyan positioning himself as the rightful contender to face Islam Makhachev next. Gaethje’s insistence and threats highlight the emotional strain within the division, while Tsarukyan’s stance and recent performances suggest a reshaping of the title picture may be underway. Fans and officials will watch closely to see if Tsarukyan secures a championship fight or if Gaethje’s demand will eventually be addressed.