Arman Tsarukyan is widely regarded within the MMA community as the top contender for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Despite this, Tsarukyan remains on the sidelines, as Justin Gaethje holds the interim lightweight title after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision. This has left Tsarukyan waiting for his opportunity to challenge the champion Ilia Topuria, who currently holds the 155-pound title.
Demetrious Johnson Endorses Tsarukyan’s Potential Against Topuria
Demetrious Johnson, considered the greatest UFC flyweight in history, publicly expressed his belief in Tsarukyan’s abilities during a recent YouTube video. Known as “Mighty Mouse,” Johnson emphasized that Tsarukyan possesses the necessary athleticism, skills, and mindset to dethrone Topuria and criticized the UFC’s matchmaking decisions regarding title fights at lightweight.
After training with him, if he fights Ilia Topuria, I think he has the athletic ability, the skillset, the mixed martial artist, and the mindset to be able to beat Ilia Topuria,
Johnson said on his channel.
Does he deserve a title shot over Justin Gaethje? To be honest with you, Arman Tsarukyan should have fought either Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett for the interim title, but he didn’t.
He added,
They didn’t choose him. They chose Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje beat Paddy Pimblett, so by law, the interim champion should be fighting Ilia Topuria next, and that’s a fight that needs to happen. After that, Arman Tsarukyan should be fighting the winner of Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria. I think Arman Tsarukyan has the best chance in the lightweight division to beat Ilia Topuria.
Obstacles Blocking Tsarukyan’s Path to a Title Match
Tsarukyan’s path to a championship opportunity has been complicated by several setbacks. He previously missed weight for a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev in January 2025, a bout that was ultimately canceled due to injury. In addition, UFC President Dana White has hinted at undisclosed challenges behind the scenes that have affected Tsarukyan’s standing within the promotion.
Implications for the Lightweight Division and What’s Next
The ongoing delay in arranging a title fight for Tsarukyan feeds uncertainty about who will next challenge Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan’s supporters and experts like Johnson argue that he holds the best chance of defeating Topuria and becoming champion. With Justin Gaethje currently positioned as the interim titleholder, the lightweight division faces a potential showdown between Gaethje, Topuria, and eventually Tsarukyan. Fans remain eager to see if Tsarukyan will finally earn his shot inside the Octagon against Topuria, a matchup that could shape the future of the division.
