Justin Gaethje Surprisingly Supports Arman Tsarukyan’s Long Wait for UFC Title Shot

Justin Gaethje, the current UFC lightweight champion, has expressed a surprising level of understanding regarding Arman Tsarukyan's extended wait for a title opportunity. Gaethje, who secured the undisputed title by defeating Ilia Topuria via TKO at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year, acknowledged that Tsarukyan's past actions have contributed to the delay.

Following his significant upset victory, Gaethje is now contemplating his next move: either retiring or defending his championship. Should he choose to continue his fighting career, Gaethje is expected to face the winner of the upcoming bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy. However, a rematch with Topuria remains a possibility.

Arman Tsarukyan has had a relatively quiet period since withdrawing from his scheduled fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 on short notice. After pulling out just hours before the event due to an injury, Tsarukyan made a successful return to the win column by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.

Despite many fans and analysts questioning the UFC's reluctance to grant Tsarukyan the next lightweight title shot, Gaethje believes there are valid reasons for the promotion's stance.

Gaethje Explains Tsarukyan's "Bed" Due to UFC 311 Withdrawal

In a recent appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje was asked about Tsarukyan's prolonged wait for a title shot and whether the UFC's decision to postpone it was justified. Gaethje stated that Tsarukyan's own actions have played a role in this situation.

"He’s also been doing so much to not fight for the title," Gaethje remarked about Tsarukyan's pursuit of a championship fight. "Come on, we all make our own bed. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt, and he dropped out the night before."

Tsarukyan is scheduled to face Ruffy in a potential No. 1 contender bout later this month at UFC 331. If Tsarukyan emerges victorious, his wait for a fight against Gaethje and a shot at the lightweight title could potentially extend even further.

What are your predictions for a potential Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight? Share your thoughts in the comments!

English Translation:

Justin Gaethje surprisingly supports Arman Tsarukyan’s long wait for UFC title shot

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves a title shot based on merit, but he agrees with the UFC's cautious approach. Gaethje achieved one of the most significant upsets in UFC history by defeating Ilia Topuria via TKO earlier this year at UFC Freedom 250. After a lengthy journey back to an undisputed title fight, Gaethje handed Topuria his first career loss, leaving the defending champion visibly battered.

Gaethje will now decide whether to retire or defend his UFC lightweight title in the Octagon. If he opts to return, Gaethje will likely face the winner of the upcoming bout between Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy, though a rematch with Topuria is also a possibility.

Tsarukyan has competed only once since his last-minute withdrawal from his fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. After pulling out due to injury just hours before UFC 311, Tsarukyan returned to the win column by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.

Many fans and analysts continue to question why the UFC is hesitant to confirm Tsarukyan as the next contender for the lightweight title, but Gaethje understands the apprehension.

Justin Gaethje: Arman Tsarukyan ‘made his bed’ in last-minute UFC 311 withdrawal

During a recent appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje was asked about Tsarukyan's extended wait for another title shot and whether the UFC's decision to postpone it was justified. Gaethje commented on Tsarukyan's pursuit of a title fight.

"He’s also been doing so much to not fight for the title," Gaethje said of Tsarukyan's title pursuit. "Come on, we all make our own bed. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt, and he dropped out the night before."

Tsarukyan and Ruffy are set to face each other in a potential No. 1 contender fight later this month at UFC 331. If Tsarukyan wins, his long wait for Gaethje and the lightweight title could persist.

What is your prediction for the potential Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight? Share your thoughts in the comments!