Gaethje Doubts Tsarukyan's Injury Claim, Hopes Ruffy Hits Him Hard

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has publicly questioned the reason for Arman Tsarukyan's withdrawal from a 2025 title fight, alleging the contender pulled out because he was not going to make weight, not due to a back injury. The dispute adds a personal layer to their ongoing rivalry as Tsarukyan prepares for a key bout that could determine the next title challenger. Gaethje made the comments in a recent interview with former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson. He stated that Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 in January 2025 but withdrew the night before weigh-ins. "The truth is, he wasn't gonna make weight, so he dropped out," Gaethje said. He argued that if Tsarukyan had a legitimate medical report from the UFC regarding a back injury, the situation would be different. Tsarukyan has previously stated he withdrew due to a back injury, which was later revealed to be a hernia requiring surgery. UFC CEO Dana White has said that UFC doctors had cleared Tsarukyan to compete, but Tsarukyan has countered that an MRI later showed the extent of the injury.