Arman Tsarukyan urges Justin Gaethje to hold off on retirement

Arman Tsarukyan believes Justin Gaethje is in the prime of his career and should continue fighting rather than retire following his monumental upset victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House.

Gaethje's dominant performance—which saw him claim the undisputed lightweight title with a fourth-round corner stoppage of previously dominant champion Topuria—impressed Tsarukyan, who suggested Gaethje has "maybe two more years" of elite competition ahead. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan praised Gaethje's physical attributes, highlighting his strength, speed, cardio, chin, and notably unblemished face despite absorbing heavy punishment from Topuria.

However, Tsarukyan made clear his genuine interest is in facing Gaethje himself, claiming he has the blueprint to defeat the new champion. Tsarukyan stated he would take Gaethje down and submit him from top position, predicting that Gaethje lacks the necessary escape skills from mount position. The message was unmistakable: Tsarukyan views the rejuvenated Gaethje not as a fighter ready to hang up the gloves, but as his pathway to championship gold.