Arman Tsarukyan dropped out of the title fight in UFC 311 due to injury. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The idea of Justin gaethje being the next challenger for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.) is not being well received by the other challengers in the category. After Destaque downplayed the defeat to Max Holloway No. UFC 300 and assert interest in confront Islam Makhachev in the next round, Arman Tsarukyan took to social media to criticize the American and challenge him to a fight.
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Em publication in X (old Twitter) this Wednesday (12), the Armenian, who would fight for the title in UFC 311, rejected the idea of the American becoming the number one contender in the category. He mentioned that Fiziev accepted the fight with only 12 days' notice after an injury to Dan Hooker and made himself available to measure strength with the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).
“You barely made it past the 1th spot at the last minute, and before that, you were sent to the shadow realm. If you really want to be the #XNUMX contender and fight for the belt, you have to get past me first,” the fighter said.
It is important to note that after Hooker's injury, Tsarukyan had the opportunity to share the octagon with Gaethje after Hooker withdrew from the fight. At the time, he confirmed that the fight had been offered, but since he was unable to make 70,3 pounds, he suggested a catchweight of 72,5 pounds.
I didn't say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn't an option https://t.co/3IfQ3Rjhv5
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) February 27, 2025
Tsarukyan's situation is peculiar. The opportunity to face Makhachev for the second time was discarded after the Armenian's injury, and since then, there has been no official announcement about his next commitment. Dana White was clearly not happy with the fighter's absence at the time of the cancellation. Despite this, he continues to occupy the first position in the official rankings of the category.
A. Tsarukyan in victory over Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
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