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Arman Tsarukyan: Justin Gaethje must fight me or ‘leave the title’

Arman Tsarukyan believes he has done everything necessary to earn another shot at Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight gold.

By Sourav Chakraborty · Sherdog

Published: Monday, 21 September 2026 at 2:57 AM

Key Things to Know

Arman Tsarukyan demanded that UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje fight him or vacate the title.
Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy via first-round knockout at UFC 331 to solidify his No. 1 contender spot.
Tsarukyan claimed Gaethje is avoiding him stylistically and might seek alternative bouts instead.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Arman Tsarukyan stated that UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje must either fight him or vacate the title. Speaking at the UFC 331 post-fight press conference, Tsarukyan claimed Gaethje is actively avoiding him stylistically after Tsarukyan secured a first-round knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy.

Tsarukyan cemented his status as the No. 1 lightweight contender with his latest finish. He previously withdrew from a scheduled title fight against then-champion Islam Makhachev in early 2025 but has since earned two consecutive finishes to push for another championship opportunity.

Read the full article on Sherdog

Arman Tsarukyan: Justin Gaethje must fight me or ‘leave the title’

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