Arman Tsarukyan does not believe Justin Gaethje has earned another UFC title fight.
Gaethje has been adamant about receiving the next crack at the UFC Lightweight Championship. Hes even threatened retirement if he isnt next in line for a shot at the 155-pound gold. UFC CEO Dana White has said that while he respects Gaethje, he doesnt appreciate the demands.
No. 2-ranked lightweight Tsarukyan told Chuck Liddell on the Out Cold Show that The Highlights recent fights dont exactly add up in terms of getting another crack at a world title (h/t MMAFighting).
Of course I want Islam [Makhachev], but right now, it makes sense to fight with Gaethje, because he just beat the No. 11 or so [Rafael] Fiziev, Tsarukyan told Chuck Liddell on his Out Cold show. He doesnt deserve title fight. Thats 100 percent, because he just lost [to Max] Holloway. Beat, on short notice, Fiziev. Fiziev knew about the fight five days, and he won, barely, a decision. Now hes talking about title fight. Its not fair. I think hes got to beat me to deserve to fight for the title.
Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for the main event of UFC 317. Ultimately, Tsarukyan wasnt needed, as Ilia Topuria and Chares Oliveira made weight for their lightweight title fight. The bout was won by Topuria via first-round knockout.
Following UFC 317, Dana White was asked if Arman Tsarukyan could receive the first crack at El Matador. The UFC boss said its unlikely, but he hinted at Akhalkalakets slowly making his way out of the doghouse. Tsarukyan was under scrutiny for pulling out of a planned UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev mere hours before the weigh-ins.
Tsarukyan then turned down a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot because he felt the bout wasnt big enough for his current place in the lightweight rankings. Time will tell if Tsarukyan will eventually be inside the Octagon fighting for a championship.
