The Inevitable Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan Fight
A Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight now feels like the matchup the UFC lightweight division is heading toward. Gaethje is the current UFC lightweight champion after stopping Ilia Topuria in June. But the next cha…
A Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight now feels like the matchup the UFC lightweight division is heading toward.
Gaethje is the current UFC lightweight champion after stopping Ilia Topuria in June. But the next challenger is becoming clearer. Tsarukyan recently knocked out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331, extending his winning streak to six fights. UFC CEO Dana White also said Tsarukyan had strengthened his case for a title shot.
The biggest question is whether Gaethje will actually return. At 37, the champion has said he needs time to recover and has not decided what comes next for his career. He has also admitted that he has nothing left to prove.
Still, Gaethje has made one thing clear: if he defends his lightweight title, Tsarukyan is the man he expects to face next.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, believes he has already done enough to earn the opportunity. He has openly accused Gaethje of avoiding him and says he is ready whenever the UFC makes the fight.
That makes this matchup especially interesting. Gaethje brings years of experience, powerful striking and a reputation for brutal fights. Tsarukyan brings elite wrestling, pressure and a six-fight winning streak.
The fight is not officially booked yet. But if Gaethje decides to continue, the path is becoming simple:
And if it happens, Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan could be one of the most anticipated lightweight fights of 2027.
Gaethje is the current UFC lightweight champion after stopping Ilia Topuria in June. But the next challenger is becoming clearer. Tsarukyan recently knocked out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331, extending his winning streak to six fights. UFC CEO Dana White also said Tsarukyan had strengthened his case for a title shot.
The biggest question is whether Gaethje will actually return. At 37, the champion has said he needs time to recover and has not decided what comes next for his career. He has also admitted that he has nothing left to prove.
Still, Gaethje has made one thing clear: if he defends his lightweight title, Tsarukyan is the man he expects to face next.
Tsarukyan, meanwhile, believes he has already done enough to earn the opportunity. He has openly accused Gaethje of avoiding him and says he is ready whenever the UFC makes the fight.
That makes this matchup especially interesting. Gaethje brings years of experience, powerful striking and a reputation for brutal fights. Tsarukyan brings elite wrestling, pressure and a six-fight winning streak.
The fight is not officially booked yet. But if Gaethje decides to continue, the path is becoming simple:
And if it happens, Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan could be one of the most anticipated lightweight fights of 2027.