Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan: Analyzing a Potential Lightweight Title Eliminator

Jul 20, 2025

Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan: A Potential Lightweight Title Eliminator Looms

The UFC's lightweight division is perpetually buzzing with anticipation, and the possibility of a clash between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan has ignited a firestorm of excitement among fight fans and analysts alike. This isn't just another fight; it's a potential title eliminator, pitting two of the most exciting and skilled lightweights against each other. A fight between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan is not yet booked, but it is a matchup that would be very interesting and meaningful to the 155lb division.

This article delves into the intricacies of this potential showdown, analyzing the styles, strengths, weaknesses, and pathways to victory for both fighters. We'll also explore the implications of this fight on the lightweight landscape and its impact on the title picture. We also consider the context around whether or not this fight makes sense for both fighters at this stage in their careers.

Gaethje's Explosive Style and Unmatched Heart

Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje is arguably the most exciting fighter in mixed martial arts. His fights are guaranteed to be violent and action-packed, a testament to his unwavering aggression and willingness to engage in a firefight. Gaethje’s resume speaks for itself. He is a former interim lightweight champion, and has secured many performance and fight of the night bonuses throughout his UFC career.

Strengths of Justin Gaethje

Devastating Striking: Gaethje's striking is his most potent weapon. He possesses incredible power in both hands, delivering bone-jarring leg kicks and a vicious overhand right that can shut the lights out on anyone. Gaethje doesn't just throw punches; he throws them with bad intentions.
Unbreakable Will: Gaethje's mental fortitude is legendary. He has weathered countless storms inside the octagon, absorbing tremendous amounts of damage and continuing to press forward. This unwavering spirit makes him a formidable opponent.
Wrestling Pedigree: While Gaethje prefers to stand and trade, he boasts a strong wrestling background. This wrestling base has been used defensively during his UFC career. He has proven difficult to take down and control, even against high-level wrestlers.
Fight IQ: While initially known for reckless abandon, Gaethje has demonstrated improved fight IQ in recent outings. He has become more selective with his strikes, conserving energy and maximizing his impact.

Weaknesses of Justin Gaethje

Defensive Liabilities: Gaethje's aggressive style often leaves him vulnerable to counter-strikes. He tends to absorb significant damage in his fights, which can shorten his career.
Submission Defense: While his takedown defense is solid, Gaethje's submission defense has been tested in the past. He needs to be wary of opponents who possess a strong ground game.
Cardio Concerns (Potentially): The high-octane nature of Gaethje's fights can lead to cardio fatigue in the later rounds. However, he has shown improvements in this area, pacing himself more effectively.

Gaethje's Path to Victory

For Gaethje to defeat Tsarukyan, he needs to do the following:

Pressure and Power: Gaethje needs to bring the fight to Tsarukyan, imposing his will from the opening bell. Unleashing his powerful strikes early and often can overwhelm Tsarukyan and force him to fight defensively.
Leg Kicks: Chopping down Tsarukyan's lead leg with his signature leg kicks can diminish his mobility and striking effectiveness.
Takedown Defense: Preventing Tsarukyan from securing takedowns is crucial. Gaethje needs to utilize his wrestling background to stuff takedown attempts and keep the fight standing.
Avoid the Ground: If taken down, Gaethje needs to scramble back to his feet immediately. Engaging in a prolonged grappling exchange with Tsarukyan could be detrimental.
Maintain Composure: Even if Tsarukyan weathers the initial storm, Gaethje needs to remain composed and continue to pressure him with calculated aggression.

Tsarukyan's Well-Rounded Skillset and Rising Star Power

Arman Tsarukyan is a rising force in the lightweight division, known for his well-rounded skillset and relentless pressure. His combination of wrestling, striking, and grappling makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Tsarukyan is coming off of a huge win over Beneil Dariush at UFC Fight Night 233.

Strengths of Arman Tsarukyan

Dominant Wrestling: Tsarukyan's wrestling is his most significant asset. He possesses excellent takedown skills and control, allowing him to dictate the pace and location of the fight. He has secured takedowns against very skilled opponents.
Ground and Pound: Once he secures a takedown, Tsarukyan unleashes a relentless ground and pound attack, wearing down his opponents and creating openings for submissions.
Improving Striking: Tsarukyan's striking has improved significantly in recent fights. He combines his wrestling with effective striking combinations, keeping his opponents guessing.
Cardiovascular Endurance: Tsarukyan possesses exceptional cardio, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the entire fight.

Weaknesses of Arman Tsarukyan

Striking Defense: While his striking has improved, Tsarukyan's defense can be vulnerable at times. He can be caught with strikes if he overextends on his takedown attempts.
Over-Reliance on Wrestling: Tsarukyan sometimes becomes too predictable with his takedown attempts, allowing his opponents to anticipate and defend them.
Experience Against Top-Tier Strikers: Tsarukyan's resume lacks victories against elite strikers. A fight against Gaethje would be a significant test of his striking defense.

Tsarukyan's Path to Victory

For Tsarukyan to defeat Gaethje, he needs to do the following:

Wrestling Dominance: Tsarukyan needs to utilize his superior wrestling to take Gaethje down and control him on the ground. He needs to mix in different takedown attempts to keep Gaethje guessing.
Ground and Pound: Once he secures a takedown, Tsarukyan needs to unleash a relentless ground and pound attack, wearing down Gaethje and preventing him from getting back to his feet.
Patience: Tsarukyan needs to be patient and avoid getting drawn into a firefight with Gaethje. He needs to stick to his game plan and exploit Gaethje's defensive liabilities.
Submission Threats: Mixing in submission attempts can further disrupt Gaethje's defense and create opportunities to finish the fight.
Cardio: Utilizing his superior cardio to outlast Gaethje, especially if the fight goes into the later rounds.

Stylistic Breakdown: A Clash of Titans

This potential matchup presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Gaethje's explosive striking and relentless aggression will be tested against Tsarukyan's dominant wrestling and ground control.

The key to victory for Gaethje lies in his ability to keep the fight standing and land his powerful strikes. He needs to utilize his takedown defense and punish Tsarukyan for his takedown attempts. Gaethje has some of the best defensive wrestling in the lightweight division. For Tsarukyan, his wrestling and ground control will be his primary weapons. He needs to take Gaethje down, control him on the ground, and avoid engaging in a prolonged striking battle.

The fight will likely be determined by who can impose their will on the other. If Gaethje can keep the fight standing and land his power shots, he has a good chance of winning. However, if Tsarukyan can consistently take Gaethje down and control him on the ground, he will likely emerge victorious.

The Lightweight Landscape and Title Implications

The lightweight division is currently ruled by Islam Makhachev, but the title picture is far from settled. Charles Oliveira remains a top contender, and other fighters like Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Beneil Dariush are all vying for a title shot.

A victory for either Gaethje or Tsarukyan would significantly boost their title aspirations. For Gaethje, it would solidify his status as a top contender and potentially earn him another title shot. For Tsarukyan, it would be a signature victory that would catapult him into the upper echelon of the division.

The outcome of this fight could have a major impact on the lightweight landscape. It will determine who moves closer to a title shot and who needs to reassess their strategy. Regardless of the outcome, this fight promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fight fans.

Expert Opinions and Predictions

Numerous MMA analysts and experts have weighed in on this potential matchup, offering their insights and predictions. Opinions are divided, with some favoring Gaethje's striking power and others predicting Tsarukyan's wrestling dominance.

Some analysts believe that Gaethje's improved fight IQ and takedown defense will allow him to keep the fight standing and land his devastating strikes. Others argue that Tsarukyan's relentless wrestling and ground and pound will be too much for Gaethje to handle.

Ultimately, the outcome of this fight is uncertain. It will depend on who can execute their game plan more effectively and who can withstand the pressure of the moment.

Examining the Financial and Career Impact

Beyond the title implications, a fight between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan carries significant financial and career implications for both fighters.

Financial Rewards

A high-profile fight like this would undoubtedly generate substantial revenue for both fighters. Pay-per-view points, sponsorships, and potential bonuses would translate into a significant payday. For Gaethje, a seasoned veteran, this fight would represent another opportunity to secure a lucrative payday and further solidify his financial security. For Tsarukyan, a rising star, this fight would be a chance to significantly increase his earning potential and attract more lucrative sponsorship deals.

Career Trajectory

The outcome of this fight would have a profound impact on the career trajectory of both fighters. A victory for Gaethje would reaffirm his status as a top contender and potentially earn him one last shot at the undisputed lightweight title. A loss, however, could relegate him to gatekeeper status and diminish his chances of ever becoming a champion.

For Tsarukyan, a victory over Gaethje would be a watershed moment in his career. It would prove that he can compete with the elite of the lightweight division and solidify his status as a future champion. A loss, while not career-ending, would set him back and require him to reassess his strategy and make adjustments to his training.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

For both Gaethje and Tsarukyan, accepting this fight involves weighing the risks and rewards. Gaethje risks losing to a younger, hungrier fighter and potentially derailing his title aspirations. However, he also has the opportunity to secure a significant victory and earn another shot at the belt.

Tsarukyan risks losing to a seasoned veteran and potentially slowing down his momentum. However, he also has the opportunity to make a major statement and catapult himself into the title picture.

The Mental Game: Preparing for a War

In a fight of this magnitude, the mental game is just as important as the physical preparation. Both Gaethje and Tsarukyan need to be mentally prepared for a grueling battle and be able to handle the pressure of the moment.

Gaethje's experience and mental toughness will be a major asset. He has been in numerous high-pressure situations and knows how to stay calm and focused under duress. Tsarukyan, while less experienced, has shown tremendous mental fortitude in his previous fights. He needs to maintain his composure and not allow the pressure of the moment to affect his performance.

The ability to stay mentally strong and focused throughout the fight will be crucial for both fighters. The one who can handle the pressure better will likely emerge victorious.

Potential Game Plans and Strategies

Predicting the exact game plan for each fighter is challenging, but we can speculate on their likely strategies based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Gaethje's Potential Game Plan

Early Pressure: Gaethje will likely come out aggressively, looking to pressure Tsarukyan and land his powerful strikes early.
Leg Kicks: He will likely utilize his leg kicks to chop down Tsarukyan's lead leg and diminish his mobility.
Takedown Defense: He will focus on stuffing Tsarukyan's takedown attempts and keeping the fight standing.
Counter-Striking: He will look for opportunities to counter Tsarukyan's takedown attempts with strikes.
Exploiting Defensive Lapses: Capitalizing on moments when Tsarukyan's defensive guard is down after initiating wrestling attempts.

Tsarukyan's Potential Game Plan

Wrestling-Heavy Approach: Tsarukyan will likely rely heavily on his wrestling, looking to take Gaethje down and control him on the ground.
Mixing Takedown Attempts: He will mix in different takedown attempts to keep Gaethje guessing and prevent him from anticipating his moves.
Ground and Pound: Once he secures a takedown, he will unleash a relentless ground and pound attack.
Patience: He will avoid engaging in a prolonged striking battle and stick to his game plan.
Cardio Advantage: Tsarukyan will aim to wear Gaethje down using his superior cardio by making him carry his weight and constantly moving.

The Role of the Coaching Staff

The coaching staff plays a crucial role in preparing fighters for a bout of this caliber. Greg Jones (Gaethje) and other coaches will be instrumental in developing and implementing the game plan, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring that the fighter is mentally and physically prepared for the challenge. Having world class corner men and training partners cannot be overstated.

The coaches will analyze their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop a strategy that exploits those weaknesses. They will also work with the fighter to improve their skills, refine their techniques, and enhance their overall performance.

The corner advice during the fight is also critical. The coaches need to be able to assess the situation in real-time, provide adjustments to the game plan, and motivate the fighter to stay focused and determined.

The Impact on Fan Interest and PPV Numbers

A fight between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan would undoubtedly generate significant fan interest and boost pay-per-view numbers. Gaethje's exciting fighting style and large fan base make him a major draw, while Tsarukyan's rising star power and potential for greatness would attract a wider audience.

The clash of styles, the title implications, and the potential for a thrilling battle would all contribute to the fight's appeal. MMA fans are always eager to see high-level matchups between top contenders, and this fight would certainly deliver on that promise.

The Potential for a Trilogy

Given the high stakes and the potential for a close and competitive fight, there is a strong possibility that a fight between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan could lead to a trilogy. If the first fight is controversial or particularly exciting, fans and promoters would clamor for a rematch.

A trilogy would allow both fighters to further cement their legacies and potentially settle any unresolved issues. It would also provide fans with a series of thrilling battles between two of the best lightweights in the world.

Conclusion: A Must-See Fight for MMA Fans

A potential showdown between Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan is a mouthwatering prospect for MMA fans. It's a clash of styles, a battle of generations, and a potential title eliminator. It would pit Gaethje's explosive striking against Tsarukyan's dominant wrestling, promising a thrilling and unpredictable fight.

Whether this fight ever materializes remains to be seen, but the mere possibility has already ignited a firestorm of excitement in the MMA community. It's a fight that every fan would want to see, and it could have a significant impact on the lightweight landscape.

It would be a true test for both fighters and a chance to elevate each fighters position in the division. Hopefully it can be put together in the near future so that the fans and athletes can be entertained.