"Undeniable": Jon Anik Says UFC Can No Longer Ignore Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan has become an imposing figure inside the lightweight roster, and even UFC insider Jon Anik finds him undeniable.
If someone has stayed relevant to the lightweight title picture for months now, it's Arman Tsarukyan. With consistent showstoppers inside the Octagon, the Armenian deserves the title shot more than anyone. Jon Anik believes that's the only matchup that makes sense.
Jon Anik Predicts Difficult Fight for Justin Gaethje Against Arman Tsarukyan
Not long ago, Jon Anik had ruffled some feathers when he revealed talks for an immediate rematch between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Naturally, just months after 'El Matador' suffered an embarrassing loss, fans' eyes remained fixed on the Tsarukyan vs. Ruffy winner.
The No. 1 lightweight contender didn't have to break a sweat to strengthen his case, stopping Mauricio Ruffy with a dangerous elbow.
“I think, not unlike Merab Dvalishvili, Belal Muhammad, and maybe even Nassourdine Imavov recently, Arman Tsarukyan has made himself so undeniable that, promotionally, you really can’t go in another direction," Anik told Submission Radio on YouTube.
Although the commercial appeal definitely drew the promotion for a last-ditch effort at getting Topuria vs. Gaethje on the wheels, Anik believes the debate is no longer necessary.
"If you're Dana White, Hunter Campbell, McMahon, Sean Shelby, you have to give Arman Tsarukyan the title fight," the UFC commentator added.
If anything, Anik believes it's 'Batman', already popping as a favorite against Gaethje, who can genuinely give the current lightweight kingpin a hard time.
"I think this is a much harder fight for Justin against Arman Tsarukyan, a true lightweight by frame, by stature who has a number of different ways to win."
However, a caveat still remains.
Justin Gaethje Has Nothing to Gain From Potential Title Defense
Justin Gaethje has yet to confirm whether he returns for another UFC outing, although Ali Abdelaziz believes the 'Highlight' has nothing left to prove in the division. Running over the lightweight's legacy, Jon Anik cannot help but reach a similar conclusion.
Gaethje has defended his WSOF lightweight title multiple times before becoming the UFC interim lightweight champion twice. Anik does have a point in thinking another title defense will add little to his stacked resume.
However, if Arman Tsarukyan clinches the lightweight strap, the Highlight's reputation will definitely take a hit. Although that doesn't entirely diminish his legacy, Gaethje will perhaps want to retire on a high note.
Still, the lightweight champion hasn't shut down all possibilities of his return to the Octagon, even though an immediate rematch with Topuria remains off the table. The comeback date still hangs in the balance, although Gaethje can confirm one thing: Arman is the "next in line."
