Editor's note: this story was first published as a Facebook post on September 10, 2026, ahead of UFC 331. Tsarukyan went on to stop Ruffy by KO in the first round.
“I hope Arman gets hit hard.”
Justin Gaethje has never been known for hiding his feelings. And when the subject turned to Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, the lightweight champion made his position brutally clear.
"I hope Arman gets hit hard."
Gaethje admitted openly that he wants to see Tsarukyan hurt in the fight. But there is more behind it than simple trash talk — and Gaethje's full comments reveal a rivalry built on something deeper than dislike.
For one thing, Gaethje still considers Tsarukyan a world-class fighter. He called Ruffy's matchup with Arman the Brazilian's first true test against that level of competition — high praise from a champion who does not hand out compliments cheaply.
At the same time, Gaethje believes Arman has made his own road to a UFC title considerably more difficult. And the reason, in Gaethje's telling, goes back to UFC 311.
Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title but withdrew shortly before the fight. Arman's official explanation was a back injury. Gaethje has a very different version of what happened: he claimed Arman pulled out because he wasn't going to make weight.
That's Gaethje's version. It has never been proven, and Arman's camp still says back injury. But the champion saying it out loud tells you the temperature between these two. Arman's camp has maintained the back injury as the official explanation. But the fact that the champion is willing to say it publicly tells you everything about the temperature between these two.
Whatever the truth behind UFC 311, one thing is undeniable: Gaethje respects what Arman can do inside the cage. And that is exactly what makes his comments so compelling. This isn't a champion dismissing a pretender. It's a champion who recognizes the threat — and wants to see it get humbled anyway.
For Mauricio Ruffy, the opportunity is enormous. He gets the chance to prove he belongs among the UFC's elite against one of the most complete lightweights on the roster. He is explosive, dangerous on the feet, and has been finishing opponents with the kind of confidence that gets people talking.
But Arman Tsarukyan isn't just another prospect. He's one of the most accomplished lightweights in the UFC, with elite wrestling and the ability to dictate exactly where a fight takes place.
Somewhere in the background, the champion will be watching closely. And he won't be cheering for Arman.
