Arman Tsarukyan on the eve of UFC 311 (Photo: Twitter)
Away from the octagons since April 2024, Arman Tsarukyan continues to try to find ways to stay relevant in the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg). In this context, the Armenian seems to believe that a fight with Justin gaethje could be the solution for his return to discussions about the next title challenger. It is worth noting that Ilia Topuria has even stated that he has no interest in confronting him.
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"Of course I want Islam (Makhachev), but now it makes sense to fight Gaethje because he just beat the number 11 ranked (Rafael) Fiziev. He doesn't deserve the title fight. That's 100% because he just lost to (Max) Holloway. He beat Fiziev at the last minute. Fiziev knew about the fight five days before and he narrowly won by decision. Now he's talking about fighting for the title. It's not fair. I think he has to beat me to deserve the title fight," the fighter said in an interview with Chuck Liddell on Espaitec's 'Out cold' last Tuesday (29).
Arman Tsarukyan derrotou Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 300 (Photo: Playback / Instagram)
Gaethje, for his part, has been declaring for some time that he wants to fight for the division title regardless of the waiting time. The American even stated that he would retire if he didn't become the challenger for Topuria's belt.
Tsarukyan lost his chance to fight for the UFC belt
Stared between Islam makhachev e Arman Tsarukyan (Photo: Playback/YouTube)
The Armenian was defeated by Makhachev in his first UFC fight in April 2019. Since then, he has become one of the top lightweights (up to 70,3 kg) in the world, to the point of occupying the first position in the category ranking.
The two were scheduled to rematch earlier this year in the main event of the UFC 311, with the belt on the line. However, Tsarukyan withdrew from the fight with just two days' notice after being incapacitated by a back injury during weight cutting.
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