Arman Tsarukyan proposes a duel with Justin Gaethje to determine the challenger for the UFC belt

Arman Tsarukyan on the eve of UFC 311 (Photo: Twitter)

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Away from the octagon since April 2024, Arman Tsarukyan continues trying to find ways to remain relevant in the lightweight division (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's worth noting that Ilia Topuria has already stated that he has no interest in facing him.

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“Of course I want Islam (Makhachev), but now it makes sense to fight Gaethje, because he just beat number 11, (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 won, by a narrow margin, by decision. Now he’s talking about fighting for the title. It’s not fair. I think he has to beat me to deserve a title fight,” the fighter said in an interview with Chuck Liddell on the podcast ' Out Cold ' last Tuesday (29).

Arman Tsarukyan defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 (Photo: Reproduction/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

Face-off between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan (Photo: Reproduction/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 have a rematch earlier this year in the main event of UFC 311 , with the title on the line. However, Tsarukyan withdrew from the fight just two days beforehand after being incapacitated by a back injury sustained during the weight cut.

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