Arman Tsarukyan calls for title fight with Justin Gaethje or relinquish belt
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 4:45 AM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan has issued an ultimatum to UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, demanding a title fight after his first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. Tsarukyan, now considered the No. 1 contender, expressed concern that Gaethje is avoiding him, citing the champion's lack of acknowledgment of their potential matchup. Tsarukyan previously withdrew from a title shot against Islam Makhachev in January 2025 but has now secured two consecutive finishes, strengthening his claim for a title opportunity. He urges Gaethje to either fight him or vacate the title for up-and-coming fighters.
- •Tsarukyan scores a first-round KO at UFC 331.
- •He is now the No. 1 contender for the lightweight title.
- •Tsarukyan believes Gaethje is avoiding a fight with him.
- •Calls for Gaethje to either fight him or leave the title.
- •Tsarukyan has recorded two finishes since his last title withdrawal.
- 4:45 AMYahoo Sports — Arman Tsarukyan Accuses Justin Gaethje of Ducking Him After UFC 331 Win
- 2:57 AMSherdog — Arman Tsarukyan: Justin Gaethje must fight me or ‘leave the title’
"After his brutal knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, Arman Tsarukyan believes Justin Gaethje will everything to duck him for a title bout.
"Arman Tsarukyan believes he has done everything necessary to earn another shot at Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight gold.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 4:45 AMArman Tsarukyan Accuses Justin Gaethje of Ducking Him After UFC 331 Win
After his brutal knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, Arman Tsarukyan believes Justin Gaethje will everything to duck him for a title bout.
- SherdogSep 21, 2026, 2:57 AMArman 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.
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