UFC 313 victor Justin Gaethje getting a title shot is NOT fair, says Arman Tsarukyan

In the co-main event of UFC 313, fans saw Justin Gaethje winning against short-notice opponent Rafael Fiziev. ‘The Highlight’ failed to get a knockout, but still looked dangerous, and won the fight via unanimous decision. Now, the Arizona native wants to fight for the lightweight title. However, top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, doesn’t think that’s possible. 

Tsarukyan was very close to fighting the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, but had to pull out at the very last moment. As a punishment, CEO Dana White has ordered him to earn his shot again and the Armenian is desperate for it. In a recent interview, the #1 contender revealed that Gaethje will have him fight him before he thinks about getting a title shot. 

The lightweight division is stacked from top to bottom. With the recent addition of Ilia Topuria, things have gotten more interesting. Charles Oliveira is already a favorite candidate for the title shot but Tsarukyan wants to fight the Brazilian in a title eliminator bout. Among all the drama, Gaethje is still hopeful about his chances. 

Fans, on the other hand, are busy backing their favorite fighters to get the title shot. With the win at UFC 313, Gaethje has bounced back from his last loss against Max Holloway at UFC 300. In the past, Makhachev has shown interest in fighting Gaethje, and it would be interesting to see whether UFC feels the same. 

Justin Gaethje’s opponent wants the fighter to fight for the title next

Justin Gaethje has consistently been one of the most entertaining fighters in the last 5-7 years. The American fighter has fought for the lightweight title twice and lost both opportunities. His first one was against the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 when he lost via submission. 

Gaethje bounced back and got his second title shot against former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. This time, he was confident but got submitted in the first round. This could be his third and last title shot and his recent opponent Rafael Fiziev is ready to support him. In a recent interview, the Azerbaijan national shared his opinion on Justin Gaethje’s title shot. 

"I wish so much [Justin Gaethje] can fight for the belt. I wish it so much, man. I think he deserves it more than anybody on this division… If he fights against Islam, I'm with him."

Rafael Fiziev share he thinks Justin Gaethje deserves the title shot at 155. pic.twitter.com/EHHvE9tyUL

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 11, 2025

If given an opportunity, Gaethje will again fight someone with great wrestling prowess. However, with  Makhachev’s tendency to experiment his striking, the ‘Highlight’ might have a chance. But if the fight goes to the ground, the fight might be finished within a few seconds. 

Islam Makhachev is a dangerous matchup for Justin Gaethje

After Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement, Islam Makhachev decided to continue the Dagestani legacy, and he was extremely successful in it. Makhachev’s dominance as the UFC lightweight champion comes from a combination of elite grappling, exceptional judo skills, and improved striking. Honed under the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, it is impossible to take down or overpower the champion.

Makhachev’s submission skills force opponents into constant defensive mode, limiting their offense. Many top fighters failed against him, and Gaethje will have to finish the fight on the feet to attain victory. Makhachev only needed a round to defeat BJJ Black Belt Renato Moicano. As such, someone with a weak ground game like Gaethje logically struggles in that scenario.

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

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