Justin Gaethje says Arman Tsarukyan bears responsibility for delayed title opportunity

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje defended the promotion's decision to delay a title shot for top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan has maintained his top contender status for over two years but has yet to compete for the belt. In January 2025, a scheduled title fight between Tsarukyan and then-champion Islam Makhachev was canceled after Tsarukyan withdrew one day before the event, citing a back injury. Gaethje suggested that weight-cutting difficulties, rather than a medical issue, caused the withdrawal and subsequent lack of opportunities. Gaethje currently plans to remain inactive through the remainder of 2026 to recover from injuries sustained during his victory against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete against Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 next week, a bout that may influence his future standing in the division.

• 1:15 AMYahoo Sports — Justin Gaethje on Arman Tsarukyan's UFC title snub: 'We all make our own bed'