Justin Gaethje has thrown his support behind Arman Tsarukyan for the next UFC lightweight title shot, dismissing talk of a winter rematch with Ilia Topuria.
The former interim lightweight champion pushed back on speculation that he would face Topuria again later this year, arguing instead that Tsarukyan is the division’s most deserving contender. “I beat Ilia decisively. It wasn’t a lucky knockout,” Gaethje said. “Arman deserves it way more than he does. He’s not fighting me next. He’s going to have to get a win before he fights for a championship.” Gaethje added that several fights are expected to take place before the UFC crowns its next lightweight title challenger, reinforcing his view that Tsarukyan should be first in line. Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked lightweight contender, has campaigned at length for an opportunity to compete for undisputed UFC gold. Gaethje’s comments add another high-profile voice to the case for the Armenian to receive a championship opportunity, even as the promotion has yet to confirm its plans for the division.
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