Published 31 days ago
The lightweight champion slams Tsarukyan for dodging the division’s best
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Justin Gaethje sharply criticized Arman Tsarukyan on a podcast, accusing him of avoiding the top fighters in the lightweight division. The reigning champion has thrown his support behind Mauricio "Shogun" Rufo for his fight against Tsarukyan on September 19 in Los Angeles, reigniting questions about the Armenian’s credibility.
To remember:
- Justin Gaethje sharply criticized Arman Tsarukyan in a recent interview, accusing him of avoiding the division’s top fighters.
- The lightweight champion questions Tsarukyan’s injury before his fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, suggesting it was a failed weight cut.
- Gaethje backs Mauricio "Shogun" Rufo to face Tsarukyan on September 19 in Los Angeles.
Unbelievable! Justin Gaethje, the undisputed UFC lightweight champion, has just thrown more fuel on the already fiery tensions in the division. During a recent appearance on Demetrious Johnson's podcast, the fighter known as "The Highlight" delivered a scathing critique of Arman Tsarukyan, openly accusing him of avoidance tactics.
Gaethje offered unequivocal support to Mauricio "Shogun" Rufo, who will face Tsarukyan on September 19 in Los Angeles. For the champion, Tsarukyan has repeatedly created obstacles to avoid facing the division’s best, an attitude that has clearly infuriated the world number one. "He doesn’t want to fight the best, he’s running from real challenges," he stated, pulling no punches.
A Controversial Withdrawal That Weighs Heavy
Gaethje recalled the controversial cancellation of the Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev fight at UFC 311. The day before the event, the Armenian had pulled out due to an alleged back injury. An excuse that "The Highlight" finds hard to believe, suggesting instead a failed weight cut. "We all know what happened. It wasn’t an injury, it was a weight issue," he declared, reigniting a controversy that shows no signs of dying down.
Gaethje’s stance adds an explosive dimension to the Rufo vs. Tsarukyan showdown. Fans and pundits are now wondering: Will Tsarukyan silence his critics, or will this controversy further poison the atmosphere in the lightweight division?
Between sharp criticism and high-stakes action, the Rufo vs. Tsarukyan fight is shaping up to be a pressure cooker. Gaethje has made his stance clear, but Tsarukyan’s credibility remains under the spotlight more than ever.