Arman Tsarukyan Earns Title Shot Call: Cormier Pushes UFC Lightweight Fight

**Arman Tsarukyan** has been named the clear‑cut contender for the UFC lightweight title by former champion Daniel Cormier on 7 July 2026, following Justin Gaethje’s surprise win over Ilia Topuria at UFC White House.

Cormier explained on his YouTube channel that Tsarukyan’s recent activity makes him impossible to ignore. He noted the Armenian fighter’s five‑fight winning streak, a victory over ex‑champion Charles Oliveira, and his constant presence on major streaming platforms. "He’s been wrestling in RAF, boxing when he can, grappling on the side-the UFC can’t look away," Cormier said.

Gaethje’s knockout of Topuria on 5 July 2026 shattered expectations that Topuria would defend the belt before moving up to welterweight. With the champion now a surprise victor, the lightweight hierarchy reshuffled. Cormier argued that a rematch for Topuria would be logical, but without him the next fight must feature Tsarukyan, who has built a fanbase eager for a title bout.

Over the past 18 months Tsarukyan has become the face of the Russian‑Armenian Federation (RAF) and a regular on the sport’s biggest streams. Cormier mentioned that an interview with Tsarukyan is the most‑watched video on his channel. The fighter also holds a win over Charles Oliveira, who is currently lobbying for a unification bout with Gaethje. Cormier dismissed Oliveira’s push, calling him “the forgotten man” after Gaethje’s upset.

With Cormier’s endorsement, UFC officials are expected to line up Tsarukyan against Gaethje for the belt. The promotion has already hinted at a “new era” for the division, and Tsarukyan’s rising popularity could draw fresh viewers. If the fight materializes, it will be the first title opportunity for the Armenian star, who has been touted as the next big draw in the UFC.

The former champion posted a 12‑minute video on 7 July 2026, where he broke down the lightweight landscape and praised Tsarukyan’s work ethic. The clip quickly amassed millions of views, underscoring the buzz around the potential matchup. Fans on social media have already begun debating the fight’s odds, with many citing Tsarukyan’s grappling pedigree as a decisive factor.

Cormier’s push signals a shift toward rewarding fighters who stay active across multiple combat disciplines. Tsarukyan’s cross‑training in wrestling, boxing, and grappling aligns with the UFC’s vision of well‑rounded athletes. Should he secure the title shot, the organization could see a surge in viewership from both his Armenian fanbase and the broader MMA audience hungry for fresh championship narratives.