Ranked as the number one lightweight contender globally, Arman Tsarukyan aims to compete at UFC 317. The fighter with a 22-3 record was initially scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship at UFC 311 in January. However, a back injury just one day before the event forced Tsarukyan to withdraw.
Renato Moicano stepped in as a late replacement for the main event. Following this, UFC CEO Dana White stated that Tsarukyan would need to earn another victory before getting a second title shot against Makhachev.
The lightweight landscape recently changed when Makhachev vacated his belt to pursue welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena. This development sets up Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira – the latter being an opponent Tsarukyan defeated at UFC 300 – to vie for the vacant title at UFC 317.
Having recently declined an offer from the UFC that he deemed “disrespectful,” Tsarukyan now has a clear expectation regarding his next opponent and fight date.
Arman Tsarukyan Foresees Justin Gaethje Fight at UFC 317
Within the UFC`s lightweight top 5, Tsarukyan and former BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje are currently the only fighters without scheduled bouts. Both individuals were considered potential title challengers earlier this year, and another victory would likely put them back in contention.
Speaking on The Jaxxon Podcast, Tsarukyan commented on his next opponent, stating:
“I feel like it’s supposed to be Gaethje.”
He elaborated on the logical reasons:
“It all makes sense. Oliveira is fighting for the title. Gaethje has no fight. Poirier is fighting with Max Holloway for the BMF title… Me and Justin don’t have a fight. So, it makes sense.”
Arman Tsarukyan Willing to Be Backup Fighter for Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira
Tsarukyan mentioned that the UFC proposed a fight in October, but the top contender prefers to remain active and compete sooner. As Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are set to fight for the title on June 28th, Tsarukyan is open to facing Gaethje on the same UFC 317 card. Furthermore, he is prepared to step in for the main event should either Topuria or Oliveira be forced to withdraw.
Tsarukyan suggested the Gaethje matchup for UFC 317, noting:
“International Fight Week, me versus Gaethje.”
He added, highlighting the potential benefits for the card:
“Who knows if someone gets hurt, me or Gaethje can fight for the title. They put Dariush and Moicano on that card [UFC 311]. I think they need someone like a bigger name and ranked fighter on that card.”
Tsarukyan believes booking him against Gaethje would provide a strong contingency plan for the UFC 317 main event.
Rupert Hartwell