Rashad Evans and Jorge Masvidal both believe Arman Tsarukyan is the obvious choice to face Justin Gaethje in his first title defence, following his win over Ilia Topuria. Justin Gaethje became the unified lightweight champion earlier this month when he forced a fourth-round stoppage win over the previously undefeated Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. After the third round, Topuria’s corner decided not to let him continue—he returned to his stool bloodied and clearly struggling. This victory not only handed Topuria his first professional loss but also unified the UFC’s lightweight championship, as Gaethje held the interim title before stepping into that bout. Gaethje had come up short in his two previous attempts at the undisputed belt, but this time he capitalized on his opportunity with an aggressive and calculated performance.
Jorge Masvidal, now retired, was alongside Rashad Evans when the question came up about who should get the first shot at Gaethje’s title defence. Evans went straight past a possible rematch with Topuria and instead pointed to Arman Tsarukyan as the right choice. Speaking on UFC on Paramount+, Evans said: “Man, I think he’s got to fight Arman Tsarukyan. I mean, Arman is, you know, he’s become quite the streamer, the entertainer. He’s got a huge following now. He’s kind of become bigger now than he’s ever been in fighting, just because of what he’s doing with Real American Freestyle and just being out on the streaming network. And, you know, he’s looking good. He’s getting used to competing on the biggest stages and still just, you know, he’s still in the conversation. And I feel like before there would have been an, ‘Alright, we got to get Arman, you know, the fans get behind him again.’ But the fans are already with him. He has a whole fan base that he’s been building up because he’s been streaming. So, it’s a high-value fighter with another high-value fighter. So, I think it’d be fireworks, man.”
Masvidal was in full agreement with Evans over his pick for Gaethje, but the 41-year-old pointed to the tension between Arman Tsarukyan and Dana White. “Does Dana let him [Tsarukyan] out [of] the gulag, though?” he asked Evans. “Because Dana was the one [who] put him in there. Only Dana could take him out. Because I’m with you. If we’re going off skill and name ID [alone], Arman all day, but is Dana going to do that? And if Dana doesn’t do that, then who would be next if it’s not Arman? Is it the winner of Paddy and ‘BSD’ [Benoit Saint-Denis], maybe?” Dana White has publicly criticised Tsarukyan and hinted back in March that there are a “lot of different reasons” for why he is disappointed with the UFC star now. This tension adds a layer of intrigue to the lightweight division’s immediate future.
To understand Tsarukyan’s potential, we must examine his recent trajectory. The Armenian-Russian fighter holds a record of 22-3 and has been on a steady climb, earning wins over notable opponents like Beneil Dariush, Damir Ismagulov, and Mateusz Gamrot. His grappling-heavy style and improving striking make him a formidable threat to any lightweight champion. However, his relationship with the UFC brass has soured over the past few months. After a controversial win over Oliveira in which he missed weight, Tsarukyan became more outspoken about fighter pay and promotional decisions. Dana White, never one to tolerate public criticism, responded by stating that Tsarukyan would need to “earn his way back” into title contention. This standoff has left many wondering if the UFC will book the fight, regardless of its competitive appeal.
Justin Gaethje, 36, has long been a fan favorite due to his violent fighting style and willingness to engage in brawls. His resume includes wars with Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler. The win over Topuria was perhaps his most complete performance, showcasing improved fight IQ and patience. Gaethje has stated he wants to stay active and defend his belt against the highest-ranked contender. Arman Tsarukyan currently sits at number four in the official UFC rankings, behind Topuria, Charles Oliveira, and Dustin Poirier. A case could be made for a rematch with Topuria, who holds a 27-1 record and was undefeated prior to the Gaethje fight. However, Evans dismissed that idea, arguing that Topuria needs to rebuild before earning another shot.
Jorge Masvidal’s point about the winner of Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis is also worth exploring. Paddy Pimblett, the charismatic British fighter, has drawn massive attention with his microphone skills and finishes. A win over Saint-Denis would put him in the top ten and potentially create a fun matchup with Gaethje. However, critics argue that Pimblett has not faced elite competition yet. Saint-Denis, known as “The God of War,” is a French wrestler with a relentless pace. Their fight is scheduled for late summer, and the winner would indeed be a logical candidate if Tsarukyan is unavailable.
Another name often mentioned is Charles Oliveira. The former champion is currently ranked number two and has a win over Gaethje from back in 2022. That bout ended in the first round with a Oliveira submission, but a rematch could be justified if Gaethje wants to avenge his loss. However, Oliveira is coming off a submission win over Chandler, and rematches are not always favored by the promotion. Dustin Poirier, ranked third, is also a possibility. Poirier and Gaethje have a history, splitting two fights. Their third bout would be a blockbuster but might require more time to build.
The lightweight division is one of the deepest in MMA, with dozens of potential contenders. Tsarukyan offers both skill and star power, especially with his streaming persona. Evans highlighted how Tsarukyan has cultivated a younger audience through platforms like Twitch and YouTube, engaging with fans beyond traditional MMA media. This crossover appeal could translate into pay-per-view buys, which the UFC values highly. Masvidal, ever the businessman, acknowledged that while skill and name ID are important, the ultimate decision rests with Dana White. “Only Dana can take him out of the gulag,” Masvidal repeated, indicating that the feud may be personal.
Should Tsarukyan be passed over, the immediate next options are less clear. Pimblett vs. Saint-Denis is a fight that could produce a star, but neither fighter is as proven as Tsarukyan. Evans mentioned that the fans are already behind Tsarukyan, and his streaming has built a loyal base. In an era where fighter marketability is crucial, this cannot be overlooked. Gaethje himself has not publicly commented on his preferred opponent, but he has always taken on tough challenges. Whether the UFC prioritizes the best fight or the most promotable fight will determine the direction.
Beyond the immediate title picture, the lightweight division is brimming with talent. Fighters like Dan Hooker, Mateusz Gamrot, and Beneil Dariush are lurking in the top fifteen, ready to step up. The winner of the Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan showdown, if it happens, would solidify the division’s hierarchy. For now, the debate continues among fans and analysts. Rashad Evans and Jorge Masvidal have thrown their support behind Arman Tsarukyan, citing his skill, popularity, and recent momentum. The only remaining question is whether the UFC’s president will allow the fight to proceed. As the days go by, the MMA community waits for an official announcement, knowing that whatever happens, the lightweight title picture will be exciting.
Source:MSN News