Arman Tsarukyan Discusses His Probable Next Opponent Following Missed Title Opportunity

Arman Tsarukyan, ranked as the world`s number one lightweight, is aiming to compete at UFC 317.

With a record of 22-3, Arman Tsarukyan was initially scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship at UFC 311 in January. However, a back injury unfortunately withdrew Tsarukyan from the event just one day prior.

Consequently, Renato Moicano stepped in as a replacement from the undercard to headline the event. UFC CEO Dana White subsequently stated that Tsarukyan would need to secure another victory to earn a future shot at Makhachev.

The lightweight landscape shifted recently when Makhachev vacated his title to pursue the welterweight belt against Jack Della Maddalena. This development positioned Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira (whom Tsarukyan previously defeated at UFC 300) to contend for the newly vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317.

Following his recent rejection of an offer from the UFC he deemed `disrespectful`, Tsarukyan now has a clear idea of his likely next opponent and the timeframe for the bout.

Tsarukyan Anticipates Potential Bout Against Justin Gaethje at UFC 317

Within the UFC lightweight rankings, Arman Tsarukyan and former BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje are the sole top-5 competitors currently without a scheduled fight.

Both individuals were considered for a title challenge earlier this year, and securing another victory would highly likely position them for a future championship opportunity.

When asked about his next opponent during an appearance on The Jaxxon Podcast, Tsarukyan stated, “I feel like it’s supposed to be Gaethje.”

He added, “It all makes sense.

“Oliveira fighting for the title. Gaethje has no fight. Poirier fighting with Max Holloway for the BMF title…

He concluded, “Me and Justin [don’t] have a fight. So, it makes sense.”

Arman Tsarukyan Open to Being Backup for Topuria vs. Oliveira Title Fight

Tsarukyan mentioned that the UFC had proposed a fight in October, but the top contender expressed a desire to remain active and compete sooner rather than later.

With the vacant title bout between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira scheduled for June 28th at UFC 317, Tsarukyan is receptive to facing Gaethje on the same card. He also indicated his willingness to serve as a potential replacement should either fighter withdraw from the main event.

Tsarukyan proposed, “International Fight Week, me versus Gaethje.”

He added, “Who knows if someone gets hurt, me or Gaethje can fight for the title.

Referencing a previous card, he said, “They put Dariush and Moicano on that card [UFC 311].

Tsarukyan suggested the UFC should consider booking him against Gaethje for UFC 317, noting, “I think they need someone like a bigger name and ranked fighter on that card,” especially given the possibility of a change to the main event.