Cormier Advocates for Arman Tsarukyan as Undeniable Next Lightweight Title Contender

Former two-division UFC champion and prominent analyst Daniel Cormier has emphatically stated that Arman Tsarukyan has cemented his position as the undeniable challenger for the UFC Lightweight Championship, following Justin Gaethje’s recent title acquisition. This assertion comes amidst a shifting landscape in the lightweight division, which was dramatically reshaped by Gaethje’s unexpected victory at the "UFC White House" event.

The mixed martial arts community was left reeling after Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria in a highly anticipated bout at the "UFC White House," securing the coveted UFC Lightweight Championship. Prior to the event, widespread speculation suggested that Topuria, if victorious against Gaethje, intended to pursue an unprecedented third UFC title by moving up to the welterweight division. This ambitious plan would have potentially left the lightweight title vacant, sparking a scramble among top contenders. However, Gaethje’s decisive win upended these projections, creating immediate uncertainty regarding the division’s future and who would be the first to challenge the newly crowned champion. Despite the presence of other high-profile contenders, Cormier, speaking on his YouTube channel, articulated a clear conviction that Tsarukyan is the singular choice for the next title shot.

Gaethje, appearing on "The Joe Rogan Experience" following his championship triumph, addressed the possibility of an immediate rematch with Topuria. "Justin went on Joe Rogan this weekend and said Ilia doesn’t get a rematch because he said he felt like he broke him twice, in the fight and in between rounds," Cormier relayed. "He said Ilia wanted to quit. Ilia Topuria, if they were to give him a rematch, no one would really complain. But if it isn’t going to be Ilia Topuria, it has to be Arman Tsarukyan." This statement from Gaethje effectively dismissed Topuria’s immediate claim, thereby intensifying the spotlight on other contenders, particularly Tsarukyan.

Cormier further elaborated on his strong endorsement of Tsarukyan, citing a conversation with UFC President Dana White. "I was talking to Dana White when I was at The Ultimate Fighter, and we were speaking about Arman, and we were speaking about how Arman has essentially made himself undeniable," Cormier revealed. This "undeniable" status, according to Cormier, is multifaceted, stemming from both Tsarukyan’s impressive competitive record and his proactive engagement outside the octagon. Tsarukyan’s current professional record stands at 22 wins and 3 losses, showcasing a consistent trajectory of improvement and dominance since his promotional debut in April 2019. He has notably avenged one of his early UFC losses to Mateusz Gamrot and secured significant victories over ranked opponents.

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A pivotal element of Tsarukyan’s case is his remarkable five-fight winning streak, which has seen him systematically defeat a series of formidable opponents. This streak includes a crucial unanimous decision victory over former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024, a result that directly bolsters his claim over other contenders, particularly Oliveira himself. Prior to this, Tsarukyan delivered a stunning first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush in December 2023, a performance that firmly established him as a top-tier threat. His winning run also features impressive triumphs over Joaquim Silva, Damir Ismagulov, and the aforementioned Mateusz Gamrot, solidifying his status as a legitimate title contender.

Beyond his in-cage performances, Cormier highlighted Tsarukyan’s "side quests," as he termed them, as a significant factor in his rising profile. "One, because obviously he’s won so many fights in a row, but his side quests, as you guys like to call it. Wrestling in RAF, boxing when he can, grappling when he can," Cormier explained. This consistent engagement in various combat sports disciplines, coupled with a high level of overall activity, has not gone unnoticed by the UFC hierarchy. "He’s been so active that the UFC can’t ignore that, and the UFC honestly took note of it, and they’re kind of excited now about Arman Tsarukyan and his potential for the new fans that he has drawn in." This strategic and visible dedication across different combat sports has undoubtedly contributed to his growing appeal and perceived marketability, factors that often weigh heavily in the UFC’s decision-making process for title opportunities.

Tsarukyan’s star power has indeed experienced a significant surge over the past 18 months, transcending the traditional boundaries of the sport. He has become a prominent figure in various media spheres, extending his reach beyond fight nights. Aside from becoming a recognizable face of "RAF," Tsarukyan frequently appears on some of the largest online streaming platforms, engaging with a broader audience. Cormier himself attested to this phenomenon, noting that an interview he conducted with Tsarukyan currently holds the record as his most-watched YouTube video, underscoring the lightweight contender’s burgeoning popularity and ability to captivate an audience. This amplified media presence and fan engagement represent a crucial component of his "undeniable" status, demonstrating his capacity to draw significant interest to a championship bout.

While Tsarukyan’s momentum appears overwhelming, another notable name in the lightweight division has also put forward his case for a title shot: former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. Earlier this week, Oliveira publicly pitched for a unification bout against Justin Gaethje, proposing to put his BMF title on the line against Gaethje’s newly acquired Lightweight Championship. This proposed matchup also offered Gaethje an opportunity for revenge, as Oliveira previously defeated him via submission at UFC 274 in May 2022. Oliveira’s record, including his reign as lightweight champion and his BMF title, certainly places him among the division’s elite. He has also secured impressive victories, citing wins over Max Holloway and Mateusz Gamrot, further solidifying his claim in recent contention. However, despite Oliveira’s compelling arguments, Cormier remained steadfast in his conviction that Tsarukyan’s claim is superior.

"It has to be Arman," Cormier reiterated. "I get what Do Bronx is saying. He’s the BMF champ. He feels like he beat Max Holloway, he beat [Mateusz Gamrot], and he did it in amazing fashion. But I just don’t know if those victories would warrant you jumping Arman Tsarukyan." Cormier’s analysis suggests that while Oliveira’s accomplishments are significant, they do not currently outweigh the comprehensive case built by Tsarukyan, particularly given Tsarukyan’s direct victory over Oliveira. The current landscape, according to Cormier, positions Tsarukyan as the fighter the public is most eager to see compete for the belt. "I think people are ready to watch Arman fight for the belt, and rightfully so. So, love Charles, love that he’s making a statement, but the reality is, it has to be Arman Tsarukyan."

Cormier did not mince words when discussing the perceived futility of Oliveira’s current campaign for a title shot against Gaethje. He characterized Oliveira’s strategy as a "foolish endeavor," suggesting that "Do Bronx" is "barking up the wrong tree" in his attempts to re-enter the title picture. "I’m not here to shit on Charles Do Bronx," Cormier clarified, "What I’m trying to say is, Charles is trying to shake and rattle the right cages. He’s searching for things that will put him back in the conversation. Not just for the biggest thing – the title or McGregor – anything. Because right now, he’s the forgotten man." This assessment highlights the competitive nature of the lightweight division and the fleeting attention span of the sport’s fanbase and decision-makers.

Cormier further contended that Gaethje’s recent championship victory has inadvertently pushed Oliveira further away from his immediate aspirations. "Justin Gaethje winning that fight literally put him further away from anything that he really wanted," Cormier observed. "And the thing that bothers you most is that a guy that you beat, a guy that you finished, is now the world champion, and as hot as anyone and anything in MMA." This dynamic creates a challenging situation for Oliveira, who now finds himself in a position where a past opponent holds the very title he desires, while a new, surging contender in Tsarukyan has surpassed him in the rankings and public perception.

Concluding his analysis, Cormier emphasized the urgency for Oliveira to formulate a more compelling argument. "So I get Charles rattling the cage. You’ve got to rattle the cage. But I don’t know that he’s barking up the right tree," Cormier stated. "He’s got to keep searching for the right [thing] that makes people go, ‘OK, that’s not stupid. That’s not nonsensical.’ Because right now, when you say, ‘I’m next for a title,’ when Arman Tsarukyan is right there, that seems nonsensical, considering everything Arman Tsarukyan has done." Cormier’s critical assessment underscores the stark reality that, in the highly competitive lightweight division, a fighter’s recent performance, overall activity, and growing public appeal are paramount in securing a coveted championship opportunity. "I don’t know what he has to do, but he has to do something. He’s got to find a way to make people start to mention him in that conversation, because I don’t know that Charles has ever been further away from the conversation, other than the very beginning of his career."

The lightweight division, widely considered one of the UFC’s most talent-rich and competitive weight classes, now faces a clear frontrunner for its next title challenger, according to a consensus view led by Daniel Cormier. Arman Tsarukyan’s combination of a dominant winning streak, a crucial victory over a top contender, consistent activity across combat sports, and rapidly expanding star power appears to have solidified his claim, making him, in Cormier’s words, "undeniable." The upcoming months will reveal whether the UFC aligns with this sentiment and grants Tsarukyan the championship opportunity he and many analysts believe he has earned.

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