Surging light-weight contender, Arman Tsarukyan has claimed he was open to a catchweight combat with Justin Gaethje in a bid to save lots of the UFC 313 co-main occasion subsequent weekend, earlier than being shot down by promotional officers.
Tsarukyan, the present primary ranked light-weight challenger, was compelled to withdraw from UFC 311 at first of the yr — seeing his first shot on the divisional crown halted resulting from a again harm.
And seeing a rematch conflict with pound-for-pound primary, Islam Makhachev fall to the way in which aspect simply the day earlier than the California card, Tsarukyan has been urged to return to the drafting board and safe a title eliminator combat earlier than competing for gold for the primary time.
As for Gaethje, the previous interim champion remains to be set to compete at UFC 313 subsequent weekend, rematching Tiger Muay Thai fan-favorite, Rafael Fiziev over the course of three rounds on short-notice.
Former symbolic BMF champion, Gaethje was first slated to tackle surging Kiwi striker, Dan Hooker in a possible title-eliminator, nevertheless, a hand fracture would rule the latter from proceedings.
And ultimately touchdown on a rematch in opposition to Fiziev — whom he initially beat in an in depth, majority determination win again in 2023, Gaethje revealed a complete host of contenders at 155lbs refused to combat him on such brief discover subsequent weekend.
Arman Tsarukyan floated provide to combat Justin Gaethje at UFC 313
Nevertheless, in line with Armenian star, Tsarukyan — he isn’t one of many names who refused to take him on, as an alternative claiming he pursued a catchweight conflict on the 165lbs restrict, which the UFC rejected.
“I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option,” Arman Tsarukyan responded to Justin Gaethje on his official X account.
I didn’t say no, I accepted instantly and requested for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh ins, UFC stated that wasn’t an possibility https://t.co/3IfQ3Rjhv5
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) February 27, 2025
And in addition to claiming Tsarukyan rejected a pairing — Arizona veteran, Gaethje boldly claimed the likes of former foes, Dustin Poirier, and ex-champion, Charles Oliveira additionally refused to combat him as quickly as UFC 313.
Arman and Charles (Oliveira) understandably stated no,” Gaethje tweeted. “Max (Holloway) and Dustin (Poirier) understandably said no. (Renato) Moicano got the call and said no. Props to (Rafael) Fiziev for volunteering to fly across the world and take this fight. Big risk here for me taking this rematch against and elite striker. Life’s a trip. Best live show on earth going down March 8th #UFC313.”
