UFC analyst believes UFC could announce Justin Gaethje vs. Arman Tsarukyan this year

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has confirmed that he won't return this year, and whether he comes back for one more outing to defend the title or retires from the sport, this decision will come next year, after discussions with those close to him.

Meanwhile, UFC analyst Michael Bisping feels that Gaethje will come to defend his title and named Arman Tsarukyan as a potential opponent, believing the UFC will likely announce the matchup before the end of the year. 

Michael Bisping expects UFC to announce Justin Gaethje’s next fight this year

In his recent YouTube video, Bisping emphasized that Tsarukyan, after his UFC 331, is undeniable, and he deserves the title shot next. He feels Ilia Topuria, who is also demanding a fight against Gaethje, will fight Paddy Pimblett next. 

“Arman Tsarukyan is now undeniable. I think Paddy fights Ilia and I think Justin Gaethje will fight again,” Bisping said. 

Bisping also believes that Gaethje's hint at retirement could stem from the idea of securing a bigger payday for his next fight. The former UFC champion predicted that the promotion could officially announce a Gaethje-Tsarukyan title fight within the next few months, or before the end of the year.

“And who knows, maybe playing it like this might get him a few more bucks. But regardless, I’ve got a pretty good feeling that within the next couple of months or certainly by the end of the year, we will get an announcement that Justin Gaethje will be fighting Arman Tsarukyan for the undisputed lightweight championship of the world. That’s just my thought,” Bisping continued. 

Check out Michael Bisping's comments below: 

Tsarukyan has cemented himself as next in line by knocking out Mauricio Ruffy in the first round at UFC 331, while Topuria has little to no chance of getting a rematch against Gaethje, as he was beaten badly at UFC Fight Night 250.

Meanwhile, the reigning lightweight champion has also suggested that if he does return to defend his title, it would be against Tsarukyan. That said, another UFC analyst, Chael Sonnen, thinks Tsarukyan would be the toughest test for Gaethje.

Chael Sonnen believes Arman Tsarukyan would be Gaethje's toughest test

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen explained why he views Tsarukyan as a particularly difficult matchup for the champion. While he acknowledged Tsarukyan's skill set, Sonnen also pointed to the uncertainty surrounding how the Armenian would perform against a fighter like Gaethje.

"The hardest guy in that weight (lightweight), I believe, would be Arman (Tsarukyan), but not only because of Tsarukyan's skills, but because of the unknown,” Sonnen said. 

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below: