Here’s a bold statement: Arman Tsarukyan, despite being one of the top lightweight contenders, might be his own worst enemy in the UFC. And this is the part most people miss—Justin Gaethje believes Tsarukyan’s actions have directly led to his current predicament, sidelining him from the title picture. But how did we get here? Let’s break it down in a way that even beginners can follow.
As UFC champion Ilia Topuria takes a brief break, Gaethje (26-5) is set to face Paddy Pimblett (23-3) for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan, who many argue is more deserving of a title shot, finds himself on the outside looking in. Gaethje doesn’t mince words: he places the blame squarely on Tsarukyan’s shoulders. But here’s where it gets controversial—Gaethje points out that Tsarukyan’s repeated missteps have irked the UFC brass, from pulling out of a title fight at the last minute to headbutting his opponent during weigh-ins.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Tsarukyan’s talent enough to outweigh his unprofessional behavior? Gaethje thinks not. In a recent interview with the New York Post Sports, he stated, ‘Tsarukyan is definitely more deserving, but the guy messed up multiple times, and this is something you just can’t do.’ He elaborated on how the UFC invests heavily in promoting fights, and when a fighter pulls out unexpectedly or engages in unsportsmanlike conduct, it reflects poorly on the organization. For instance, Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal from a title fight against Islam Makhachev last year left the UFC in a tough spot. Then, his headbutt on Dan Hooker during weigh-ins only added fuel to the fire. Even his punch at a fan during UFC 300 didn’t help his case.
Let’s pause for a moment—is Gaethje being fair, or is he just protecting his own interests? After all, Gaethje threatened retirement if he wasn’t given a title shot, and now he’s in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s stoppage win over Hooker in November should have solidified his position, but his actions outside the ring seem to have overshadowed his in-ring achievements. It’s a classic case of talent versus temperament, and the UFC appears to be prioritizing reliability over raw skill.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should fighters like Tsarukyan be given more leeway because of their undeniable talent, or does the UFC have every right to prioritize professionalism and reliability? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure—this situation isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about the unwritten rules of the game and the consequences of breaking them.
