Justin Gaethje surprisingly supports Arman Tsarukyan’s long wait for UFC title shot
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje acknowledges that Arman Tsarukyan has earned a shot at the title but understands the promotion's hesitation.
Justin Gaethje achieved a significant upset earlier this year at UFC Freedom 250 by defeating Ilia Topuria via TKO. After a considerable journey back to a definitive title fight, Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss, leaving the reigning champion visibly changed.
Gaethje is now contemplating his future, weighing retirement against defending his UFC lightweight title. Should he decide to continue fighting, Gaethje is likely to face the winner of the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy bout, though a rematch with Topuria remains a possibility.
Tsarukyan has competed only once since withdrawing from his scheduled fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 on short notice. After pulling out due to injury just hours before UFC 311, Tsarukyan secured a victory by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.
Many fans and analysts are questioning the UFC's reluctance to grant Tsarukyan the next lightweight title opportunity, but Gaethje empathizes with the organization's caution.
Justin Gaethje: Arman Tsarukyan ‘made his bed’ in last-minute UFC 311 withdrawal
During a recent interview on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje was asked about Tsarukyan's prolonged wait for another title shot and whether the UFC's delay is justified.
"He's also been doing a lot to avoid fighting for the title," Gaethje commented on Tsarukyan's pursuit of a title fight.
"Come on, we all create our own circumstances. He was set to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt, and he withdrew the night before."
Tsarukyan and Ruffy are scheduled to face each other in a potential No. 1 contender bout later this month at UFC 331. If Tsarukyan wins, his lengthy wait for Gaethje and the lightweight championship might extend further.
Justin Gaethje surprisingly supports Arman Tsarukyan’s long wait for UFC title shot
UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves a title shot on merit, but agrees with the UFC’s hesitancy.
Justin Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when he finished Ilia Topuria by TKO earlier this year at UFC Freedom 250. After a long road back to an undisputed title fight, Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss and left the defending champion physically unrecognizable.
Next, Gaethje will decide whether or not he’ll hang up his gloves or return to the Octagon to defend the UFC lightweight title. If he opts to return to the cage, Gaethje will likely fight the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy winner, although a rematch with Topuria is also possible.
Tsarukyan has fought just once since his short-notice withdrawal from his fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. After withdrawing due to injury just hours before UFC 311, Tsarukyan returned to the win column by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.
Many fans and pundits continue to question why the UFC is hesitant to commit to Tsarukyan earning the next lightweight title shot, but Gaethje understands the apprehension.
Justin Gaethje: Arman Tsarukyan ‘made his bed’ in last-minute UFC 311 withdrawal
In a recent appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje was asked about Tsarukyan’s long wait for another title shot and whether or not the UFC is justified in postponing it.
“He’s also been doing so much to not fight for the title,” Gaethje said of Tsarukyan’s title pursuit.
“Come on, we all make our own bed. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt, and he dropped out the night before.”
Tsarukyan and Ruffy will square off in a potential No. 1 contender fight later this month at UFC 331. If Tsarukyan is victorious, his long wait for Gaethje and the lightweight title could continue.
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