Arman Tsarukyan may not fight newly minted undisputed UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje next, as per the former’s manager.
The Armenian last fought at UFC Qatar, where he submitted Dan Hooker in Round 2. He is hungry to return to the octagon, but “The Highlight,” after 2 back-to-back slugfests this year, plans to defend his title next year and is open to fighting Tsarukyan.
Despite being the top contender, the 29-year-old has not received a title shot due to several reasons. He punched a fan at UFC 300, head-butted “The Hangman,” and, before that, pulled out of his UFC 311 title fight.
Besides the aforementioned reasons, his antics outside the octagon and his not showing up for the UFC Freedom 250 weigh-ins despite being the official backup fighter for the main event could cost him another title opportunity.
Who is Arman Tsarukyan expected to fight next, if not Justin Gaethje?
Arman Tsarukyan’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, during a recent sit-down with Match TV, stated that since Justin Gaethje is not going to return to the octagon anytime soon, “Ahalkalakets” might need to fight someone else in the meantime as he is craving to be active.
The Armenian’s camp believes a rematch with BMF kingpin Charles Oliveira is the most attractive bout out there. Abdrakhmanov said:
“Taking into account that [Justin] Gaethje just fought and is unlikely to return to the octagon in the next six months and that Arman [Tsarukyan] needs to stay active, the option with [Charles] Oliveira is the most attractive. We just have to consider the situation in the division, and the situation is that it’s better to act than to wait.”
Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s manager’s comments below:
Oliveira and Tsarukyan last fought in 2024 at UFC 300, and the latter secured a split decision win following their 3 round battle.
Charles Oliveira is on a two-fight win streak, and if he gets past Tsarukyan in a rematch, the former 155-pound champion could be next in line for a lightweight title shot. The Brazilian has already shown interest in rematching Gaethje and is game to put his BMF title on the line in a lightweight championship fight, with the winner taking home both belts.