WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 15: Justin Gaethje participates in a press conference with other fight winners and Dana White following UFC Freedom 250 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu via Getty Images
Gaethje may be playing mind games with Ilia Topuria, but he’s not totally off base. Following Arman Tsarukyan’s impressive KO win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, Gaethje names the long-time contender the next challenger for his UFC lightweight title. Obviously, it’s not Gaethje’s call. If the UFC aims for the rematch between the Highlight and Topuria, he’ll have to comply or be stripped of the title. That said, Tsarukyan could have the rightful claim to the top spot. Let’s talk MMA.
Where the Lightweight Title Picture Stands
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Champion | Justin Gaethje |
| How he won it | Stopped Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June |
| No. 1 contender | Arman Tsarukyan |
| Tsarukyan’s last fight | KO over Mauricio Ruffy, 4:56 of round one, UFC 331 |
| Bonus | Performance of the Night |
| Win streak | Six |
| Dana White’s read | Tsarukyan “completely flipped the script” |
| Topuria’s position | Called for a Gaethje rematch during UFC 331 fight week |
| Gaethje’s timeline | Two fights this year, recovering from minor injuries, returning next year |
| Tsarukyan’s ask | December |
| Officially booked | Nothing |
Tsarukyan spent his post-fight press conference accusing Gaethje of avoiding him, saying the champion never says his name and would rather chase Topuria or ask for $15 million. Dana White said Tsarukyan had flipped the script on his own title case. Gaethje has fought twice this year, is recovering from minor injuries and has said he will not return until next year.
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Tsarukyan has earned the right to fight for the title. He seemed to draw the ire of Dana White and the rest of the UFC’s brass back in early 2025 when he was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 311, but pulled out because of a back injury. Renato Moicano stepped in to replace him and was mauled by the former 155-pound champion and current welterweight king.
With Tsarukyan beating Ruffy — especially the way he did it — there’s little reason for him to take another fight before getting his chance to win the 155-pound title he’s been chasing since he came to the UFC in 2019.
What’s Next For the UFC?
The UFC has another show at the Apex. It’s not star-studded, but we’ve seen cards like this wind up packed with exciting fights.
UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · Meta APEX, Las Vegas · Paramount+ · Main card 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
| Bout | Division |
|---|---|
| Raul Rosas Jr. vs. Raoni Barcelos | Bantamweight |
| Norma Dumont vs. Ailin Perez | Women’s bantamweight |
| Montel Jackson vs. Ricky Simon | Bantamweight |
| Rodolfo Bellato vs. Christian Edwards | Light heavyweight |
| John Castaneda vs. Alatengheili | Bantamweight |
| Josiah Harrell vs. Elves Brener | Welterweight |
| Rodolfo Vieira vs. Robert Bryczek | Middleweight |
| Brady Hiestand vs. Rinya Nakamura | Bantamweight |
| Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Yazmin Jauregui | Women’s strawweight |
| Melissa Amaya vs. Valesca Machado | Women’s flyweight |
| Mehemmedeli Osmanli vs. Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu | Welterweight |
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