Justin Gaethje’s win over Ilia Topuria changed more than he could have ever imagined.
With the odds stacked against him and retirement looming, Gaethje delivered one of the best performances in modern UFC history. A true display of exactly who ‘The Highlight’ is. Beautiful violence: butchering Topuria’s face and becoming the first ever to defeat him. But also heart and grit. Something that cannot be taught. Those who doubted him ahead of UFC Freedom 250 were arguably right, but his performance changed many people’s minds.
One of those who altered their belief about Justin Gaethje is division rival Arman Tsarukyan. After watching Gaethje pick apart Ilia Topuria, overcome a knockdown scare, and rally back to win his first-ever undisputed UFC title, Tsarukyan has had a change of heart about the 37-year-old.
At UFC 331 on Saturday, Tsarukyan looks to extend his winning run to six straight, putting himself in pole position for a title shot, and in turn placing pressure on the champion. But ahead of his fight this weekend, the Armenian revealed that his respect for Gaethje had shifted dramatically after referring to him as a bum, saying:
“Well, after Topuria, my opinion on him has changed a bit. [He’s] better than a bum.”
Listen to what Arman Tsarukyan had to say about Justin Gaethje and more in the video below.
With a title shot on the other side of UFC 331, Arman Tsarukyan is determined to impress and leave the promotion and Justin Gaethje with no doubt about who is next.
But to get an opportunity to face the champion, Tsarukyan must get past the dangerous Mauricio Ruffy. Ruffy, known for his highlight-reel knockout ability, has an unwavering self-belief that threatens to end Tsarukyan’s run.
UFC 331 goes down this Saturday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Catch it live on Paramount+, with the prelims starting at 7 PM ET.