Gaethje celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
The new 'King' of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg), Justin Gaethje, analyzed the fight between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy , scheduled for UFC 331 on September 19th in Los Angeles, United States. The duel will be the co-main event and could put the winner even closer to the top of the division.
In an interview with Demetrious Johnson 's YouTube channel , available last Wednesday (9), the American commented on the confrontation and made clear his preference for the result he would like to see in the duel. Gaethje also took the opportunity to recall an episode involving Tsarukyan and a dispute for the lightweight belt.
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“I hope Arman gets a real beating. It would be fun to see… He’s been doing everything he can to avoid fighting for the belt. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt and he backed out the night before. The truth is he wasn’t going to make weight, so he backed out,” said Justin Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan already had the opportunity to fight for the lightweight title against Islam Makhachev , but the fight never happened. The Armenian was scheduled to face the champion in the main event of UFC 311 in January 2025, but withdrew from the event the day before after suffering a back injury during weight cutting. Renato Moicano was called in at the last minute to replace him and ended up being submitted by the Russian in the first round.
Arman Tsarukyan's history in MMA
Tsarukyan promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
At 29 years old, Tsarukyan is considered one of the top names in the UFC lightweight division. A professional since 2015, the Armenian has a record of 23 wins and three losses, with nine wins by knockout and six by submission. Among his career highlights are victories over names like Beneil Dariush , Dan Hooker , and Charles Oliveira.
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