UFC told ‘it must be’ Arman Tsarukyan difficult Justin Gaethje next by Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier has absolutely little doubt what the subsequent UFC lightweight title matchup ought to be.

The 155-pound division has a brand new king after Justin Gaethje’s performance on the White House lawn earlier this month.

Gaethje shocked the world against Ilia Topuria, defeating the previously undefeated Spaniard to finally claim the undisputed lightweight crown in his third attempt.

Talk has already turned to the American’s first defense, and ‘DC’ has made his selection between two vocal contenders.

Should Justin Gaethje retire following his undisputed title win?🤔

On his third attempt, Justin Gaethje finally became the undisputed lightweight champion, pulling off considered one of the largest upsets in combat sports history👏🏼

Daniel Cormier shuts down Charles Oliveira’s callout of Justin Gaethje to back Arman Tsarukyan’s claim

Many were frustrated when the UFC snubbed Tsarukyan and as an alternative booked Gaethje’s interim title fight against Paddy Pimblett this past January.

With that in mind, the Armenian has loads of support on the subject of his desire to challenge ‘The Highlight’ in his first defense, which can not come until 2027 after the champ’s recent comments about taking a break.

One man has looked to upset those plans, nevertheless. Charles Oliveira has called out Gaethje, having beaten the American back in 2022 and recently dominated an opponent they share in Max Holloway to win the symbolic BMF title.

For Cormier, the selection between the 2 is obvious.

“It must be Arman. There’s no way that it can’t be Arman,” Cormier said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“I get what ‘Do Bronx’ is saying. He’s the BMF champ… I just don’t know if those victories (over Mateusz Gamrot and Holloway) would warrant you jumping Arman Tsarukyan.

“I consider that folks at the moment are ready to look at Arman fight for the belt, and rightfully so,” he added.

While he waits for confirmation of his next UFC fight, ‘Akhalkalakets’ has been keeping busy away from the Octagon within the wrestling and grappling realms.

Tsarukyan will face Colby Covington within the fundamental event of RAF 11 in July, having gone undefeated in nine matches since submitting Dan Hooker in his last UFC fight seven months ago.