Arman Tsarukyan responds to Team Justin Gaethje after their declaration that their fighter will retire if conditions are not met!
Justin Gaethje just dropped a bombshell that sent shockwaves through the 155-pound weight class. His manager Ali Abdelaziz announced that ‘The Highlight’ will retire if he doesn’t get the next title shot. This ultimatum comes at a crucial time when Islam Makhachev recently vacated the lightweight throne, leaving the division scrambling for position.
Gaethje feels disrespected after years of putting on wars for UFC fans. He’s been one of the most reliable action fighters on the roster, delivering highlight-reel moments and earning performance bonuses like they’re going out of style. But sometimes being exciting isn’t enough to guarantee title opportunities in this cutthroat business. Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira leapfrogged several contenders to face Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. This booking left many fighters scratching their heads, especially those who thought they deserved the next crack at gold. Now, Gaethje is fed up and wants his well earned chance.
Arman Tsarukyan couldn’t resist taking a shot at Gaethje’s retirement threats. The rising Armenian contender sarcastically wished Gaethje good luck on his retirement plans, making it clear he believes the title shot belongs to him instead.
“Congratulations on amazing career. Enjoy your retirement.”
Tsarukyan’s confidence isn’t unfounded. He’s the #1 contender who has been quietly building an impressive resume. He was set to face Islam Makhachev at UFc 311, but had to withdraw due to a back injury. This cost him big as Oliviera now will face Ilia Topuria for the vacant title at UFC 317.
Gaethje won the interim lightweight champion when he dismantles Tony Ferguson. His first crack at undisputed gold came against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020, where the Dagestani legend submitted him in the second round. The Ferguson victory was supposed to launch him toward the undisputed championship, but Khabib proved too much to handle. Gaethje’s aggressive style and knockout power couldn’t overcome Khabib’s suffocating grappling and relentless pressure. The defeat left Gaethje wondering if he’d ever get another chance at lightweight gold.
His second title opportunity came against Charles Oliveira in 2021, but that fight ended in disappointment as Oliveira submitted Gaethje. Two title fight losses create a tough narrative for any fighter trying to earn another shot. Gaethje has been trying to rebuild his championship credentials ever since. He won the vacant BMF title shot with a headkick KO against Dustin Poirier. With this win, he was set to be the next one to challenge the title now held by Islam Makhachev. However, he chose to fight Max Holloway at UFC 300, where he got KO’d in the last second. He lost the BMF belt and the opportunity to fight for the championship with it.
Now, he recently faced and won a rematch against Rafael Fiziev. With this win, he now believes he should be next in line against whoever wins at UFC 317. But some might still disagree. Also, the UFC might prefer to give fresh faces like Arman Tsarukyan their moment in the spotlight rather than risk another Gaethje title fight disappointment.
(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)
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