The #1 lightweight in the world wants to fight at UFC 317.
The 22-3 Arman Tsarukyan was supposed to fight for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title at UFC 311 back in January, however, a back injury would force Tsarukyan off the card the day before.
As a result, undercard fighter Renato Moicano replaced Tsarukyan in the main event and UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan would have to fight again if he wanted another crack at Makhachev.
Things were shaken up in the lightweight division earlier this week as Makhachev relinquished his belt for welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena, leaving Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, whom Tsarukyan beat at UFC 300, to fight for the vacant title at UFC 317.
After recently turning down a ‘disrespectful’ offer from the UFC, Tsarukyan has a pretty good idea of who and when his next fight will be.
Arman Tsarukyan could see Justin Gaethje fight happening at UFC 317
In the UFC lightweight rankings, Tsarukyan and former BMF Champion Justin Gaethje are the only top-5 contenders not currently booked.
Both fighters were in the title conversation earlier this year and they’re more than likely a win away from another title opportunity.
“I feel like it’s supposed to be Gaethje,” Tsarukyan said, when asked about his next opponent on The Jaxxon Podcast.
“It all makes sense.
“Oliveira fighting for the title. Gaethje has no fight. Poirier 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 said the UFC approached him about fighting in October but the #1 contender wants to stay active and fight sooner rather than later.
With Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira fighting for the title on June 28th, Tsarukyan is open to fighting Gaethje on the same night at UFC 317 and is willing to step up should either Oliveira or Topuria withdraw from the main event.
“International Fight Week, me versus Gaethje,” Tsarukyan pitched.
“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 suggested the UFC book him vs Gaethje in case the UFC 317 headliner takes a hit.