Justin Gaethje’s Next Opponent Could Be Arman Tsarukyan, Says Israel Adesanya
Justin Gaethje, the newly unified UFC lightweight champion, is set to face either Arman Tsarukyan or Conor McGregor in his next fight, according to Israel Adesanya, the former UFC middleweight titleholder. Gaethje secured the undisputed lightweight title by defeating Ilia Topuria via corner stoppage at UFC 250 in April 2021, ending Topuria’s 13-fight winning streak.
Adesanya, speaking to Demetrious Johnson on the MMA legend’s YouTube channel, argued that a matchup between Gaethje and Tsarukyan would be a “crazy fight” but emphasized that the UFC is more likely to pursue high-profile narratives. “McGregor vs. Gaethje would sell more than Tsarukyan vs. Gaethje,” Adesanya said. “The UFC likes the narratives they can create, and a revenge match with Max Holloway would be insane.”
Conor McGregor, who has not fought since his 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, is set to return at UFC 329 in July against Max Holloway. The Irish fighter’s rematch with Holloway, initially scheduled for 2020, has become one of the most anticipated bouts in UFC history.
Gaethje, 37, has not commented publicly on his next opponent, but Adesanya suggested the fighter should “watch the Max vs. Conor fight” before making a decision. “He’s already got the story there with Max,” Adesanya said. “Conor and Gaethje would feed families, it would feed countries, that would be crazy.”
The UFC has not officially announced Gaethje’s next opponent, but sources indicate the organization is weighing the commercial appeal of a McGregor rematch against the technical challenge of facing Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan, a 29-year-old lightweight contender, has won six consecutive fights since joining the UFC in 2020.
Gaethje’s victory over Topuria marked a career-defining moment, but Adesanya believes the fight with McGregor would be a “ticket-mover” for the promotion. “It would. It would feed everybody, World Vision,” he added, referencing the charity founded by UFC president Dana White.
As UFC 329 approaches, fans are speculating whether Gaethje will take on McGregor or remain on course for a fight with Tsarukyan. The decision could shape the lightweight division’s future for years to come.
Adesanya’s Take on Gaethje’s Next Opponent
Israel Adesanya, who held the UFC middleweight title from 2018 to 2020, has long been a vocal analyst of UFC matchups. His comments on Gaethje’s potential opponents highlight the balance between competitive integrity and commercial interests. “Technically, yes, Tsarukyan should be the next guy to fight Justin, that would be a crazy fight,” Adesanya said. “But the UFC likes the narratives they can create.”
The former champion also dismissed the possibility of a rematch between Gaethje and Topuria, stating, “Will there be a rematch? Nah, I don’t think so.” Topuria, 26, has since rebounded with two wins, including a 2023 victory over Charles Oliveira.
McGregor’s Return and the Road to UFC 329
Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon has been delayed by injuries and contractual disputes, but the UFC has confirmed his welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The fight, initially scheduled for 2020, was postponed after McGregor suffered a broken hand in 2021.
Holloway, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, has won 15 of his 22 career fights. His first meeting with McGregor ended in a controversial split decision in 2019. “This is a fight that has been building for years,” UFC president Dana White said in a recent interview. “The fans want to see it, and the fighters want to settle the score.”
What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?
With Gaethje’s title win and McGregor’s return, the lightweight division is poised for a blockbuster year. UFC officials have not disclosed details about Gaethje’s next fight, but insiders suggest the organization is considering multiple scenarios.
A McGregor vs. Gaethje matchup would generate massive global interest, but Tsarukyan’s technical skills and rising star power could also make for a compelling bout. “It’s a tough call,” said ESPN analyst Ariel Helwani. “Gaethje’s style suits McGregor, but Tsarukyan’s grappling could be a challenge.”
As the July event approaches, the fight community awaits official announcements. For now, the debate over Gaethje’s next opponent remains one of the most talked-about stories in combat sports.