Arman Tsarukyan does not believe Justin Gaethje will withdraw from his upcoming fight against Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan stated that Gaethje knows these are likely his final fights in the UFC and will take them regardless of outcome because he will earn a significant payday. According to Tsarukyan, even if Gaethje loses, he will still collect a substantial purse. The comments suggest Tsarukyan views Gaethje as motivated primarily by financial incentives at this stage of his career.
Arman Tsarukyan has publicly dismissed any notion that Justin Gaethje will back out of his scheduled lightweight bout against Ilia Topuria, expressing confidence that the champion will show up regardless of the circumstances.
Tsarukyan, the number-one ranked lightweight contender, suggested that Gaethje understands he is likely in the final chapter of his UFC career and will compete knowing a significant financial reward awaits him whether he wins or loses. The Russian fighter characterized Gaethje's motivation at this stage as heavily tied to the payday on offer rather than title ambitions alone.
Tsarukyan himself carries a 23-3 record and sits directly behind the champion in the lightweight standings at age 29. Fighting out of American Top Team, the Russian has built his reputation on elite grappling, averaging 3.26 takedowns per fifteen minutes while landing 3.85 significant strikes per minute with 50 percent accuracy.
Gaethje, 37, holds the lightweight title with a 28-5 record and brings one of the most aggressive striking profiles in the division. The Arizona native averages 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the most efficient volume strikers at 155 pounds.
Topuria, the pound-for-pound number-one fighter in the world, enters as the number-two ranked lightweight at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian carries a 17-1 record and a well-rounded skill set, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute while also threatening with nearly two takedowns per fifteen minutes.
Why it matters
- Tsarukyan is the mandatory contender at lightweight, meaning the winner of Topuria vs. Gaethje would be his next logical opponent
- Gaethje's status and commitment directly affects when Tsarukyan gets his title shot
- A motivated, fully committed Gaethje presents a more dangerous stylistic test for Topuria given his striking volume and accuracy
