Justin Gaethje is totally done with talk of a rematch against Ilia Topuria, despite Topuria’s team pushing for it after Gaethje’s brutal stoppage at UFC Freedom 250. Instead, Gaethje’s laser-focused on the upcoming UFC 331 co-main event, where Arman Tsarukyan faces off against Mauricio Ruffy. Gaethje has been saying for months that Tsarukyan is the rightful No. 1 contender for the lightweight title, but don’t get it twisted, he’s got some serious bones to pick with the guy.
The “Injury” That Smells Fishy
Gaethje isn’t buying Tsarukyan’s story about pulling out of UFC 311 just two days before he was supposed to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title. Tsarukyan claimed a back injury, but Gaethje isn’t convinced. Speaking with Demetrious Johnson, Gaethje dropped the real talk: “We all make our own bed. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt. The truth is he wasn’t going to make weight, so he dropped out.” He didn’t stop there either. Gaethje pressed the point, saying, “If it was his back and there was a medical report on paper with the UFC, then he wouldn’t be suffering like this. There’s no way if he was truly to hurt his back cutting weight, how do you do that for one? Maybe his body was shutting down, and he just couldn’t make weight, which happens.” Dana White himself has had reservations about Tsarukyan, and it definitely stems from that suspicious withdrawal and his shocking inactivity, having fought only once at UFC Qatar in November 2025, making that his sole fight in the last 27 months.
Ruffy’s Streak Meets a World-Class Threat
Even with all the shade, Gaethje is still hyped to see Tsarukyan perform against Mauricio Ruffy. He thinks Tsarukyan could have an easy night if he just sticks to his strengths. But what about Ruffy? Gaethje admits, “Ruffy is on a tear right now, and his last two fights were ultimately super impressive,” then immediately hit us with the follow-up, “and I’m a huge fan of Bobby Green, but he fought Bobby Green and Michael Chandler, who aren’t top three in the UFC. So, who has he fought who’s in the top 10?” This is where Tsarukyan’s cred comes in, having already defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 and once seen as a serious threat to an undefeated Ilia Topuria. Gaethje summed it up perfectly, saying, “But this will be his first ultimate test in the UFC vs. a world-class fighter. I think Arman is world-class. Two very different stylistic matchups. Styles make matchups, and I don’t know what we’re going to see.”
Gaethje might respect Tsarukyan’s skills, but he’s clearly rooting for chaos when those two lightweights finally collide on September 19 in Los Angeles. He straight up said, “Most likely, Arman’s going to take him down. I hope Arman gets hit hard. It would be fun to see. I don’t hate Arman. I’d rather him get hit hard than see him get on top of him (Ruffy) and win. If he knocks out Ruffy, I’d be so happy.” Get ready, because UFC 331 is going to be must-watch TV!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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