Justin Gaethje refuses Arman Tsarukyan’s gift as Armenian fighter fires back at UFC champion

Reigning UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has refused to accept an SUV as a gift from Armenian fighter Arman Tsarukyan. The situation quickly turned into a heated verbal exchange that could become part of the build-up to a future lightweight title fight.

After Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan was ready to keep his promise and gift the American fighter an SUV. Earlier, the Armenian contender had said he would buy Justin a vehicle of his choice if Gaethje defeated Topuria and became the UFC lightweight champion.

However, Gaethje refused the gift. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, the American fighter made it clear that he had no intention of accepting a car from Tsarukyan.

“I’m not going to accept that SUV from Arman. No way. That guy has never even shaken my hand. So am I supposed to drive around my neighborhood every day in a car that he bought for me? Arman doesn’t have to buy me anything,” Gaethje said.

Tsarukyan’s response came quickly. The Armenian contender reacted sharply to the champion’s words and said he would now give the vehicle to one of his fans.

“If you don’t want it, then go to hell. I’ll give it to one of my followers. And I will destroy you in a fight,” Tsarukyan said.

This story has become another episode in the growing rivalry between Gaethje and Tsarukyan. After beating Topuria, the American captured the UFC lightweight title, while Arman remains one of the main contenders for a championship fight.

Interestingly, before the Gaethje vs. Topuria bout, Tsarukyan placed a 1 million dollar bet on Justin to win. The bet proved successful: after the surprising result, the Armenian fighter won 5.7 million dollars.

Now the verbal clash over the gift looks like more than just a random conflict. It may be the beginning of the promotion for a title fight. The potential Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan showdown is already gaining an additional emotional storyline, and Arman’s harsh response has only increased interest in a possible meeting inside the Octagon.

Officially, the Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan fight has not yet been announced. However, the situation in the UFC lightweight division increasingly suggests that the Armenian fighter could become the next challenger for the championship belt.