Tsarukyan: Gaethje hasn't earned title shot vs. Makhachev
UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan doesn't believe Justin Gaethje should be in the mix for the next crack at Islam Makhachev's title.
Gaethje expressed interest in challenging Makhachev after his win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 on Saturday. But Tsarukyan told The Schmo he thinks Gaethje should have to fight someone else - like him or former champion Charles Oliveira - to earn that opportunity.
"Gaethje wants to fight for the title," Tsarukyan said. "It makes sense to fight with me because nobody gonna give him title fight. It's not gonna be fair that he is gonna get title fight. He's gotta beat me or Oliveira to get that title fight."
Gaethje earned a unanimous decision victory over Fiziev in a short-notice rematch that co-headlined the Las Vegas event. The No. 3-ranked lightweight got back on track after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 last April.
Tsarukyan, the No. 1-ranked contender at 155 pounds, was scheduled to face Makhachev for the belt at UFC 311 in January but withdrew from the fight on weigh-in day due to a back injury.
After the cancellation, UFC CEO Dana White said Tsarukyan wouldn't receive a title shot in his next bout.
Tsarukyan said he wants to fight either Oliveira or Gaethje in order to earn another shot at Makhachev's strap.
"I want to fight with contenders," Tsarukyan said. "Someone from the top five. It's Gaethje or Oliveira."
He added: "I'm open for everybody from top five. I don't want to fight someone from top 10 because I'm contender No. 1 and I gotta fight for the title."
Tsarukyan defeated Oliveira before in a split-decision victory last April. The 28-year-old Armenian hasn't stepped into the Octagon since.
Several fighters appear to be in the running for the next title shot against Makhachev, including featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who is moving up to lightweight. Gaethje would be a popular choice among fans, as he's one of the most exciting fighters in UFC history. Oliveira could also face Makhachev next after beating Michael Chandler at UFC 309 last November.
No matter which direction the promotion goes, Tsarukyan said he'll eventually prevail as the top lightweight.
"I know I'm better than everybody there. ... The goal is fight for the title right away, but the UFC, whatever they say, I'm gonna do that," Tsarukyan said.