Justin Gaethje on Arman Tsarukyan's UFC title snub: 'We all make our own bed'

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has voiced his opinion on Arman Tsarukyan's absence from a title fight, stating that many see the UFC's handling of the situation as unfair. Tsarukyan, now the No. 1 contender in the division for over two years, was set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title in January 2025, but a back injury forced him out of the bout the day before it was scheduled.

Gaethje questioned Tsarukyan's decision to withdraw and believes the fighter was struggling to make weight, possibly due to not being willing to continue cutting the weight without additional compensation. Gaethje admitted that Tsarukyan missed weight only once in his 12 UFC fights. The lightweight champion speculated that Tsarukyan's back injury was likely a fabrication, as it is difficult to injure oneself while cutting weight.

If Tsarukyan defeats Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, Gaethje would face him in 2027 should the UFC decide to grant him a title shot.