“Got sent to shadow realm” – Justin Gaethje’s case for title fight gets dismissed as Arman Tsarukyan downplays UFC 313 performance 

#1 ranked lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan calls out Justin Gaethje for a potential title eliminator after his UFC 313 win.

“Got sent to shadow realm” – Justin Gaethje’s case for title fight gets dismissed as Arman Tsarukyan downplays UFC 313 performance 

Arman Tsarukyan mocks Justin Gaethje and calls him for a fight (via Imago/X/Instagram)

The UFC lightweight division drama shows no signs of slowing down. Stacked with absolute killers, top lightweights are desperate to get their hands on the title. However, one true contender in the division remains non-existent due to various pullouts and injuries. Recently, a new beef has developed between #1 contender Arman Tsarukyan and veteran Justin Gaethje.  

Gaethje recently beat Rafael Fiziev in the co-main event of UFC 313 via unanimous decision. Following the victory, the Arizona native has demanded Dana White to give him a title shot against Islam Makhachev. However, Tsarukyan doesn’t think that’s fair, and has called out Gaethje for a fight, while issuing a trash-talk. 

You barely got past #11 on short notice, and before that, you got sent to the shadow realm. If you really want to be the #1 contender and fight for the belt, you have to go through me first.

Arman Tsarukyan via X
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Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight for the title at UFC 311. Unfortunately, he had to pull out due to an injury, angering the UFC. Now, he needs to earn his title shot again, and is desperately looking for an eligible opponent. The Armenian has also called out other big names such as former champion Charles Oliveira. 

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Recently, Tsarukyan got rejected by Ilia Topuria, who is also eyeing a title opportunity after moving to the lightweight division. Nevertheless, Tsarukyan vs. Gaethje could be a banger of a fight, but the ‘Highlight’ only has a few more fights before retirement. It will be interesting to see whether Tsarukyan gets what he wants. 

Arman Tsarukyan slams the upcoming lightweight bout at UFC 314

As mentioned, the UFC lightweight division is stacked and remains the most competitive one on the roster. Historically, it has remained extremely hard for fighters to remain successful for multiple years. The current set of fighters are no different, and anybody has the opportunity to beat top fighters to jump the rankings.

Arman Tsarukyan doesn't care about fighters lower than his lightweight ranking
Arman Tsarukyan doesn’t care about fighters lower than his lightweight ranking (via X)

Rising prospect Paddy Pimblett is one of those fighters who remains eager to earn a title shot. The British fighter is currently scheduled to fight former Bellator champion Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Arman Tsarukyan was recently recently asked about his prediction for the bout. Surprisingly, the Armenian fighter gave a rather disinterested answer. 

I got — I don’t know. They’re both not good. So, I don’t follow them. So, it’s like, 50-50 fight. It’s just hype fight. They’re not like — I don’t watch their fights because they’re not on my level

Arman Tsarukyan via The Schmo’s YouTube channel 
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Pimblett has made a huge name for himself due to his eccentric personality and ability to market himself. ‘The Baddy’ is undefeated in the promotion, and often gets a boost from the UFC. On the other hand, Chandler, after wasting two years chasing Conor McGregor, is now fighting Pimblett. Timing plays an important role in MMA and it can be easily observed by the current state of the lightweight division.

Should Arman Tsarukyan be counted out against Islam Makhachev?

Arman Tsarukyan debuted against Islam Makhachev at UFC Russia Fight Night event in 2019. In a competitive fight, both displayed elite wrestling, with Tsarukyan even securing a rare takedown. Makhachev won via unanimous decision, but was challenged to his limits. However, Tsarukyan didn’t immediately rise to the top. He had certain hurdles to overcome in the last couple of years. 

Arman Tsarukyan has the potential to beat Islam Makhachev
Arman Tsarukyan has the potential to beat Islam Makhachev (via MMA Fighting)

The fight proved Tsarukyan’s potential, making a rematch highly anticipated. Since that fight, the Armenian has developed a lot, and has had tough fights with many lightweights. Unlike many fighters, Tsarukyan doesn’t come from a poor background, and isn’t fighting for a livelihood.

However, his skillset can be a threat to the Dagestani and he is confident on dethroning the champion. This is mainly because Tsarukyan can wrestle at a high level like Makhachev. The #1 ranked fighter has always put the pressure on his opponents. As such, any rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev will be a 50/50 fight, and either man can win.

Related: Justin Gaethje Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House