Arman Tsarukyan confirms lightweight title shot is next, told it will be ‘beginning of next year’
UFC fighter Arman Tsarukyan has confirmed he is next in line for a lightweight title shot, expected to take place early next year. Despite rumors of other potential matchups, Tsarukyan remains focused on his goal of becoming the best lightweight fighter.
Why it matters
This clarifies the immediate future of the UFC lightweight division, which has been subject to speculation regarding champion Justin Gaethje's retirement.
Arman Tsarukyan says he’s been assured of a title fight his next time out.
Last year, Tsarukyan was supposed to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311, but he was pulled from the event just the day before due to health issues. Since then, Tsarukyan has tried to work his way back to a title shot, most recently knocking out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September.
That win seemed to solidify Tsarukyan as the next lightweight challenger, but there are now questions, because lightweight champion Justin Gaethje is considering retirement, and there have also been rumors of an immediate rematch between Gaethje and Ilia Topuria, which would leave Tsarukyan out in the cold. But speaking with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck before his matchup with Dillon Danis at RAF 14, Tsarukyan says he’s been assured that his next fight is for the lightweight title.
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