Arman Tsarukyan declines replacement spot for Gaethje-Topuria bout

Arman Tsarukyan has turned down the opportunity to step in as a replacement opponent for the upcoming lightweight title fight between champion Justin Gaethje and Ilia Topuria. The Russian contender confirmed he will instead direct his attention toward a scheduled RAF appearance rather than accept the short-notice opportunity.

Tsarukyan, 29, enters 2026 as the number-one ranked lightweight contender with a 23-3 record. Standing five-foot-seven with a notably long 72-inch reach, the American Top Team product has built his reputation largely on wrestling, averaging 3.26 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also connects on 50 percent of his significant strikes, landing at a rate of 3.85 per minute.

Gaethje, 37, holds the lightweight championship and brings a 28-5 record into his defense against Topuria. The Arizona native, fighting out of Genesis Training Center, is one of the division's most aggressive strikers, landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, he rarely looks for takedowns or submissions, relying almost entirely on his striking.

Topuria enters the bout ranked second in the division and first in the pound-for-pound rankings at 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian carries a 17-1 record and operates out of an orthodox stance with a 69-inch reach. He lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and adds a takedown threat, averaging nearly two per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Tsarukyan's refusal preserves his position as the leading contender waiting for the winner of Gaethje versus Topuria
• The number-one ranked contender stepping aside underscores how difficult it is to find a credible late replacement at lightweight title level
• All three fighters share the same orthodox stance, making the eventual matchup between Tsarukyan and the champion a closely watched style contest at 155 pounds