We’re about 11 days away from UFC’s next big pay-per-view UFC 313. But less than two weeks out from Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev’s epic main event clash, fans were left heartbroken. Why? Because they’re missing the chance to see one of the greatest displays of controlled violence inside the Octagon, i.e., the co-headliner between Justin Gaethje and Dan Hooker. ‘The Hangman’ had to pull out due to an injury and now ‘The Highlight’ is left without an opponent. The hunt is on for a replacement, but fans are calling for one particular fighter—a man who missed the opportunity to win gold in the division—as a fitting replacement.

Arman Tsarukyan had the title shot in his hands as he was scheduled for UFC 311 to take on Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. However, the plans were scrapped after the Armenian star suffered an injury. Having to pull out at the very last moment, Dana White didn’t seem too happy when he addressed the situation to the media. He laid down the law of getting back in line and making the climb again, which ‘Akhalkalakets’ seemed to have no issues with.

So could Arman Tsarukyan come in and fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 313? Well, one fan seems to be in favor of that idea, claiming that he’d absolutely destroy the former UFC BMF champion. “Fight Gaethje u would kill him in a round,” that fan stated on social media. Guess what? Tsarukyan agrees it would be a bad night for Gaethje. “I would,” the lightweight star responded.

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan hasn’t just aimed his verbiage at Justin Gaethje, but also at the man who pulled out of the UFC 313 co-headliner, Dan Hooker. For context, ‘The Hangman’ made a comment when ‘Akhalkalakets’ pulled out of UFC 311 and now he’s the one who pulled out. Now the tables have turned and Tsarukyan jumped at the opportunity to have the final word.

Arman Tsarkyan jibes at Dan Hooker after pulling out of the Justin Gaethje fight

When Arman Tsarukyan mysteriously pulled out of UFC 311 due to an injury, Dan Hooker appeared skeptical about it. Pulling out of a title fight might have meant a serious injury, which Hooker acknowledged but it seems he couldn’t help himself and made a comment about Tsarukyan’s family wealth. The 28-year-old has been pretty open about his father’s successful business and that he lives a pretty comfortable life. Hooker took a shot at Tsarukyan by claiming that all this wealth couldn’t keep him healthy. In an interview, he said, “Daddy can’t buy you a backbone, can he?”

These words certainly did not sit well with Arman Tsarukyan, who now claimed that Dan Hooker got what he deserved, and questioned his credibility as a top fighter in the lightweight division. “Karma doesn’t miss. Big mouth, glass hands – maybe just stick to talking instead of fighting,” Tsarukyan wrote on X. Do you think this response was apt?

Dana White might be considering all his options for the replacement fighter as we inch closer to UFC 313. Do you think Arman Tsarkyan would find himself butting heads with Justin Gaethje on short notice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.