Arman Tsarukyan says Justin Gaethje is scared to fight him: ‘He’s trying to avoid me’

Arman Tsarukyan declared himself ready for a title shot after a dominant first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event of UFC 331 in Los Angeles on Saturday night. The lightweight contender, watching from cageside by champion Justin Gaethje, made his ambitions clear during the post-fight press conference: he believes he has earned the next title opportunity.

Tsarukyan sits on a six-fight winning streak at 155 pounds and has been seeking a title shot for years. A planned challenge to then-champion Islam Makhachev fell through last year due to his withdrawal from the event and related incidents, which left him in the UFC's doghouse. Saturday's emphatic finish—particularly the knockout rather than a decision—was designed to erase those doubts and prove his readiness for gold.

"Every fight is pressure for me," Tsarukyan said, explaining that a knockout performance sends a far stronger message to the UFC brass than a grinding decision. He stated he had already spoken with Dana White following the victory and expressed confidence that a title opportunity would follow. However, Tsarukyan was skeptical that Gaethje would voluntarily accept the matchup, accusing the champion of avoiding him. "Justin Gaethje, he never tells my name," Tsarukyan said. "He's scared. He's trying to avoid me." Tsarukyan predicted Gaethje might demand a higher purse, call out other contenders like Ilia Topuria, or threaten retirement rather than face him.

Despite his criticism of Gaethje, Tsarukyan said he remains flexible on timing. After taking a brief one-week vacation, he said he could be ready to compete by mid- to late December if the UFC books him on a major card. Whether that fight is against the champion or another contender, Tsarukyan made clear his singular focus: becoming UFC champion.