Justin Gaethje recently gave his thoughts on Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC future and the Armenian not getting a title shot despite being the number one lightweight contender.
Tsarukyan got his shot at undisputed gold at UFC 311 earlier this year and was set to fight then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a rematch. However, a back injury forced him out at the last minute, after which Renato Moicano stepped in and became submitted in round 1 by Makhachev.
Tsarukyan’s withdrawal upset Dana White, who immediately revealed that he won’t be getting another title shot anytime soon and is going back to the drawing board.
Ahalkalakets’ served as backup for the headliner of UFC 317 and impressed to get back into the UFC’s good graces. He most recently took on Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar and presented ‘The Hangman’ in round 2. After that dominant victory declared champion Ilia Topuria, who has not shown any interest in fighting ‘Ahalkalakets’ so far.
Topuria is on hiatus for personal reasons and will not return early next year. In his absence, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will battle for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324, with the winner set to fight Topuria and unify the titles once ‘El Matador’ is back and ready.
On Friday, following the UFC’s 2026 season presser, Justin Gaethje gave his thoughts on Arman Tsarukyan not getting an undisputed title shot like he would like. ‘The Highlight’ told Full Send MMA:
“It sucks to be him. The kid is a problem, there’s no doubt about it. This is a crazy game and he’ll get his chance.”
Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments below:
UFC’s recent matchmaking boom has been heavily criticized as many believe it is all about monetization and not based on merit.
UFC’s 2026 season press conference made things worse for Arman Tsarukyan
After not getting a lightweight title shot, Arman Tsarukyan’s only desire was to fight Max Holloway for the BMF title. However, for the time being this is also denied by Dana White and Co.
The promotion has booked a BMF title fight, which champion Max Holloway will co-host with Charles Oliveira, at UFC 326 on March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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