Joe Rogan says Arman Tsarukyan deserves UFC title shot but sees Oliveira option

Rogan said on his podcast that lightweight champion Justin Gaethje could opt for a rematch with Charles Oliveira if Oliveira retains his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Fri 23 Oct, 01:04 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Joe Rogan has said he could see Justin Gaethje defending the UFC lightweight title against Charles Oliveira next, even though he believes Arman Tsarukyan has earned the shot.

Tsarukyan, 30, appears in line to face Gaethje after knocking out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round of the UFC 331 co-main event in September. He has been out of favour with the UFC, however, since withdrawing from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev. He has competed 17 times since then, only twice under the UFC banner.

Oliveira defends his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335, the promotion's final fight of the year. Speaking on his podcast, Rogan said that if Oliveira wins, Gaethje could choose a rematch with him with both the BMF and lightweight titles on the line. Rogan said: “155lbs is all hanging on whether Justin decides to retire, what does he do, who does he fight?” Rogan called Tsarukyan the big fight and the most compelling one, saying the Armenian looked indestructible after what he did to Ruffy. He acknowledged that taking the Oliveira route would leave Tsarukyan waiting, adding: “But then it seems like you’re denying Arman what he deserves, he deserves a title fight.” Tsarukyan is back on the wrestling mats on Friday, when he faces Dillon Danis in the RAF 14 main event. Their press conference on Thursday ended early after a brawl broke out, with Tsarukyan throwing a punch in Danis's direction. Similar antics have affected his standing with the UFC in the past, with the promotion holding them against him.

In this story

Arman Tsarukyan Justin Gaethje Charles Oliveira Diego Lopes Mauricio Ruffy Islam Makhachev