Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan? Dana White Hints at Possible Matchup

With Dan Hooker pulling out of his scheduled UFC 313 bout against Justin Gaethje, the former interim lightweight champion is now left without an opponent. While the UFC scrambles to find a replacement, one name that has emerged as a possibility is No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to fight earlier this year but pulled out of his last bout against Champion Islam Makhachev. While his dominant performances have earned him the top contender spot, UFC President Dana White has indicated that he may need one more fight before challenging for the belt—and Gaethje could be the perfect opponent.

“Arman’s right there, but he needs to get back in there and remind everyone why he’s next for the title,” White stated.

Gaethje, on the other hand, is looking to rebound after his recent defeat. Once the holder of the BMF title, he remains one of the division’s most dangerous fighters. A fight with Tsarukyan would be a high-stakes battle between two elite lightweights, with the winner likely earning a shot at the UFC lightweight championship opposite Islam Makhachev.

While no official bout agreement has been signed, the potential matchup has sparked interest among fans. With Tsarukyan eager to solidify his status as the division’s next title challenger and Gaethje seeking redemption, this fight could be one of the most pivotal in the lightweight division’s immediate future.