Gaethje Backs UFC Making Tsarukyan Wait for Title Shot
Justin Gaethje says he understands the UFC making Arman Tsarukyan wait for a lightweight title shot despite his talent.
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UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje says he understands why the promotion has kept Arman Tsarukyan waiting for a title shot, even though he believes Tsarukyan has earned one on merit.
Gaethje, who shocked the sport by finishing Ilia Topuria via TKO earlier this year to take the lightweight title, addressed Tsarukyan's situation on the MightyCast podcast. Tsarukyan pulled out of his scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 the night before the bout due to injury, and that withdrawal still shapes how Gaethje views his case for a shot at gold.
"He's also been doing so much to not fight for the title," Gaethje said. "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."
Why Tsarukyan Is Still Waiting
Tsarukyan has fought just once since pulling out of the Makhachev fight, a submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year. That single outing in more than a year is the gap Gaethje is pointing to. Gaethje's comments make clear that even a champion who has publicly acknowledged Tsarukyan's talent sees the withdrawal, not a lack of skill, as the reason the UFC has been slow to reward him with another crack at the belt.
Tsarukyan now gets a chance to force the issue. He meets Mauricio Ruffy later this month at UFC 331 in what shapes up as a No. 1 contender fight. A win keeps his title case alive; another setback and the lightweight picture moves on without him.
What It Means for Gaethje's Next Fight
Gaethje has not decided whether he will defend the belt again or step away from the sport, but the Tsarukyan-Ruffy winner is the most likely next assignment if he continues fighting. A rematch with Topuria remains on the table as well. Gaethje's remarks suggest he would have no objection to facing Tsarukyan next, provided Tsarukyan takes care of business against Ruffy first.
For bettors, Tsarukyan opened as a heavy favorite over Ruffy, with the line sitting around -350 to -400 on Tsarukyan and Ruffy getting roughly +280 to +300. That price reflects Tsarukyan's finishing pedigree and UFC experience against a durable but less tested Ruffy. A clean, decisive win keeps Tsarukyan the betting favorite in any hypothetical matchup with Gaethje down the line, while another slip, whether a loss or even a shaky decision, would only add to the questions about his readiness for the title picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Justin Gaethje say about Arman Tsarukyan's title shot?
Justin Gaethje said he believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves a UFC lightweight title shot on merit, but he understands why the UFC has made him wait, pointing to Tsarukyan's last-minute withdrawal from his scheduled fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311.
Who is Arman Tsarukyan fighting next?
Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy later this month at UFC 331 in a fight that could position him as the next lightweight title challenger.
Will Justin Gaethje fight Arman Tsarukyan next?
Justin Gaethje has not committed to his next fight, but the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy is considered the likely next lightweight title challenger, alongside a possible rematch with Ilia Topuria.
