Arman Tsarukyan Hilariously Suggests Justin Gaethje to Get Injured Ahead of Ilia Topuria Fight

#2 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has essentially asked Justin Gaethje to get injured ahead of his title fight at Freedom Fights 250.

Arman Tsarukyan Hilariously Suggests Justin Gaethje to Get Injured Ahead of Ilia Topuria Fight

Arman Tsarukyan has a hilarious proposition for Justin Gaethje (via BJ Penn, X)

In Short
  • Arman Tsarukyan humorously suggested that Justin Gaethje should get injured to allow him to step in for the title fight against Ilia Topuria.
  • Tsarukyan has faced scrutiny from the UFC due to behavioral issues, including a nine-month suspension for headbutting a fan.
  • Despite setbacks, Tsarukyan continues to build his profile through wrestling events and collaborations while seeking a title opportunity.

Ever since the announcement of the UFC White House event, the fight card has become one of the most talked-about topics in the MMA community. The unprecedented show is headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje. Amid the buzz around the matchup, Arman Tsarukyan recently weighed in on the bout with a humorous piece of advice for Gaethje.

Gaethje recently captured the interim championship at UFC 324 after defeating rising contender Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision to claim the belt. There were doubts surrounding Gaethje’s title opportunity, as Topuria had been sidelined due to legal issues. However, the promotion confirmed the title unification bout as the headlining attraction for the June 14 event during the UFC 326 broadcast.

Tsarukyan was initially expected to compete for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. However, the opportunity did not materialize after UFC CEO Dana White sidelined him due to behavioral issues and incidents outside the cage that raised concerns about his reliability. The Armenian contender was recently asked what advice he would give Gaethje ahead of the upcoming UFC Freedom Fights 250 card.

I would recommend Justin get injured in camp and let me step in and get the title; after that, he can fight me.

Arman tsarukyan via Red Corner MMA

Tsarukyan has faced scrutiny from the UFC after several incidents outside the cage. The controversy began when he headbutted a fan during his walkout at UFC 300, leading to a nine-month suspension and a $25,000 fine. He also withdrew at the last minute from a title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The situation worsened when he headbutted Dan Hooker during their face-off ahead of UFC Qatar.

However, Tsarukyan has continued building his profile outside the UFC during this period. The Armenian superstar has competed in wrestling events under the Real American Freestyle Wrestling and ACBJJ banners to remain active. He has also collaborated with figures such as Jake Paul and N3on, expanding his brand while showing fans a more relaxed, approachable side of the Armenian lightweight.

Arman Tsarukyan has long waited for a chance to face Ilia Topuria as both fighters traded shots during the lightweight title buildup. Despite the rivalry and his ranking, the UFC chose another direction, believing Tsarukyan was not dependable enough for the major event. The promotion instead booked Justin Gaethje for the unification bout, while Tsarukyan’s humorous advice to ‘The Highlight’ added a lighthearted twist.

Arman Tsarukyan makes a hilarious prediction for a potential featherweight superfight

Arman Tsarukyan has been pushing for a title opportunity while working to repair his standing with the promotion. The Armenian lightweight apologized to Dana White and UFC officials after past behavioral controversies. He has also discussed alternative matchups while waiting for another opportunity, including potentially moving down to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight title.

Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan (via MMA News)

Tsarukyan is widely recognized for his wrestling and grappling skills, which have been key to his success in the UFC. However, he also possesses strong striking ability, adding versatility to his style. Among his techniques, Tsarukyan has specialized in the infamous axe kick, which he used against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He recently joked about attempting the same move if a potential matchup with Volkanovski ever comes to pass.

He’s short. If they give me a fight with Volkanovski, I will just do that (axe kick).

Arman Tsarukyan via JAXXON Podcast

Alexander Volkanovski is regarded as one of the greatest featherweights of all time, known for his well-rounded skill set that limits opponents’ options. The Aussie champion combines striking, wrestling, and tactical awareness to control high-level matchups. Volkanovski has already acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan’s challenge, but whether the bout between the two fighters will materialize remains uncertain.

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