Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes Arman Tsarukyan deserves a title shot on merit, but agrees with the UFC’s hesitancy.

Justin Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when he finished Ilia Topuria by TKO earlier this year at UFC Freedom 250. After a long road back to an undisputed title fight, Gaethje handed Topuria his first loss and left the defending champion physically unrecognizable.

Next, Gaethje will decide whether or not he’ll hang up his gloves or return to the Octagon to defend the UFC lightweight title. If he opts to return to the cage, Gaethje will likely fight the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy winner, although a rematch with Topuria is also possible.

Tsarukyan has fought just once since his short-notice withdrawal from his fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. After withdrawing due to injury just hours before UFC 311, Tsarukyan returned to the win column by submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar last year.

Many fans and pundits continue to question why the UFC is hesitant to commit to Tsarukyan earning the next lightweight title shot, but Gaethje understands the apprehension.

Justin Gaethje: Arman Tsarukyan ‘made his bed’ in last-minute UFC 311 withdrawal

In a recent appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Gaethje was asked about Tsarukyan’s long wait for another title shot and whether or not the UFC is justified in postponing it.

“He’s also been doing so much to not fight for the title,” Gaethje said of Tsarukyan’s title pursuit.

“Come on, we all make our own bed. He was going to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt, and he dropped out the night before.” (h/t MMA Junkie)

Tsarukyan and Ruffy will square off in a potential No. 1 contender fight later this month at UFC 331. If Tsarukyan is victorious, his long wait for Gaethje and the lightweight title could continue.

What is your prediction for the potential Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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