Arman Tsarukyan delivered a commanding knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331, and now he’s sending a clear message to UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Following the win, Tsarukyan eagerly declared his intention for his next fight to be a title bout, emphasizing this point by shaking UFC President Dana White’s hand outside the octagon.
Despite previous setbacks that delayed his championship opportunity, Tsarukyan’s impressive performance at UFC 331 solidifies him as Gaethje’s next opponent. After earning the Performance of the Night bonus, the Armenian fighter confidently stated at the post-fight press conference, “He’s [Justin Gaethje] fighting me next.” He also tweeted, “Title shot secured 👊🏼,” signaling his readiness to compete for the belt.
Justin Gaethje is expected to defend his lightweight title next year, having competed twice this year and currently recovering from minor injuries. Dana White praised Tsarukyan’s resurgence, noting that after past missteps, he made a remarkable comeback. White said, “When you f*ck up, then you come back and you do everything the right way. I mean you couldn’t have had a better comeback after the things that he’d done.”
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Fan Take: This moment is huge for fight fans as it sets up a highly anticipated lightweight title clash, promising an explosive matchup. Tsarukyan’s rise shows the sport’s dynamic nature and how perseverance can turn setbacks into championship opportunities, keeping the division exciting and unpredictable.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
