If Justin Gaethje desires a title shot, he’ll need to undergo Arman Tsarukyan.
With an enormous win over short-notice alternative opponent Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, Gaethje believes he needs to be the subsequent man up for a shot at reigning light-weight titleholder Islam Makhachev.
I received 3 out of my final 4, solely shedding in an exhibition struggle,” Gaethje wrote on X. “I’ve to struggle for the belt. @danawhite I’m prepared.
Gaethje’s solely loss within the final two years got here towards Max Holloway in a BMF title conflict at UFC 300. Earlier than that, he’d received back-to-back bouts towards Fiziev and Dustin Poirier. Including a second profession win over Fiziev on Saturday, ‘The Spotlight’ could have a compelling argument, however Tsarukyan merely isn’t shopping for it.
“You barely obtained previous #11 on brief discover, and earlier than that, you bought despatched to the shadow realm,” Tsarukyan wrote in response. “For those who actually wish to be the #1 contender and struggle for the belt, you must undergo me first,” Tsarukyan replied to Gaethje.
Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje more likely to be handed up for ilia topuria
Tsarukyan was initially scheduled to problem Makhachev at UFC 311 earlier than withdrawing mere hours earlier than the struggle feigning a again harm. In consequence, Renato Moicano was promoted to the night’s fundamental occasion, taking Tsarukyan’s spot.
In the meantime, Tsarukyan should return to the drafting board and choose up one other massive win earlier than the UFC brass is able to give him one other title alternative.
In fact, each Gaethje and Tsarukyan will probably be handed up in favor of former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria who vacated his title earlier this yr to maneuver up and conquer one other division.
