Arman Tsarukyan Says Ilia Topuria Doesn’t Deserve an Immediate Justin Gaethje Rematch: “The Fight Was Not Close”

Arman Tsarukyan is adding his voice to the growing list of lightweights who don’t believe Ilia Topuria has earned a shot at running it back with lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje.

“I don’t think so, the fight was not close. Justin mauled him and finished him,” Tsarukyan said. “They gotta give him some easy fight comeback.”

Arman Tsarukyan’s Take Echoes Justin Gaethje’s Own Stance

Arman Tsarukyan’s comments line up closely with what Justin Gaethje himself had already said. The champion had repeatedly ruled out an immediate rematch, telling media outlets flatly that “he’s not fighting me next” and arguing that Tsarukyan deserves the next title opportunity more than Topuria does. But earlier today, Gaethje has shown interest in a rematch.

Gaethje, however, has maintained he didn’t get lucky in their White House fight, saying he controlled the pace and “beat him up” over four rounds before Topuria’s corner threw in the towel.

Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje’s Ongoing Back-and-Forth

The comments also arrive amid a fresh round of tension between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje themselves. After Topuria announced he was medically cleared and ready to return, he took a shot at Gaethje, implying his gloves may have had “something weird” on them during their fight. Gaethje fired back sharply, dismissing the claim as a “lame excuse” and telling Topuria to “do better.” The exchange has kept the rivalry simmering even as both men remain apart from active competition.

Arman Tsarukyan Previously Named Michael Chandler as Ilia Topuria’s Ideal Comeback Fight

This isn’t the first time Tsarukyan has weighed in on what Topuria’s next fight should look like. He had previously suggested, while mocking ‘El Matador, ‘ that Michael Chandler would be a suitable opponent for Topuria’s return without immediately handing him a title shot he hasn’t re-earned. With Tsarukyan set to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in a bout that could determine the next title challenger, his opinion on how the division should be sequenced carries extra weight heading into that outcome.

Also read: Justin Gaethje Fires Back at Ilia Topuria’s Loaded Gloves Accusation: “Do Better Kid”

About The Author

Chynelle Dirksz

A sports enthusiast turned writer, I bring a multi-sport perspective to my coverage. From playing basketball, handball, and throwball to competing as an athlete, sport has always been at the core of who I am, and writing became the natural way to channel that passion.

At To The Lane And Back, I cover Tottenham Hotspur, focusing on transfers, academy developments, and everything in between. I also write about UFC and MMA for UFCDailyNews.com, a site I designed, covering breaking news, fight analysis, and the latest developments in combat sports.

When I’m not writing, I’m probably being outsmarted by my two Labradors.

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