Justin Gaethje might have just exposed Dana White’s negotiation tactics for the entire world to see. Gaethje was scrambling for an opponent since his UFC 313 co-main event fell apart. ‘The Highlight’ was supposed to take on Dan Hooker in a five-round clash just before Alex Pereira takes on Magomed Ankalaev for light heavyweight gold in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, Hooker announced a severe fracture in his hand following a sparring session. So who did Dana White replace him with? It was 12-3 lightweight Rafael Fiziev, and guess what? The duo have fought before. But why was he chosen again when fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Max Holloway exist? Apparently because they refused to fight him according to Gaethje.
After his new opponent came to light, Gaethje revealed the true nature of negotiations behind the scenes. He revealed the names of five fighters who got the call to face him before the UFC decided to go with ‘Ataman’. “Arman [Tsarukyan] and Charles [Oliveira] understandably said no. Max [Holloway] and Dustin [Poirier] understandably said no. [Renato] Moicano got the call and said no,” the former interim UFC lightweight champion posted on X. But the Armenian star has a different storyline altogether.
He recently posted, “I didn’t say no, I accepted immediately and asked for a 160lbs catchweight 11 days out from weigh-ins, UFC said that wasn’t an option.”
The Armenian star is looking for a bounce back into title contention after withdrawing from the UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev. It seems like fans and Dana White have still not forgiven him for withdrawing from UFC 311 just 24 hours before the fight. But hold on because another feud is brewing alongside the Justin Gaethje and Arman Tsarukyan scuffle.
Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker get entangled in pull-out beef
When Tsarukyan had to withdraw from UFC 311, fellow lightweight fighter Dan Hooker was among the group who challenged ‘Akhalkalakets’s’ injury. He even mocked the Armenian family and their wealth. “Daddy can’t buy you a backbone, can he?”, stated ‘The Hangman’ scathingly during an interview.
Unfortunately, Hooker had to swallow his own words because they came back to haunt him. The lightweight star had to withdraw from UFC 313 due to a hand injury. “I was just sparring last night. Just as I do, I was letting some hooks go… caught one of the boys on the top of the dome with my knuckle,” the 35-year-old told UFC on Sky.
‘Akhalkalakets’ did not let this opportunity pass him by and declared that karma had hit his Kiwi counterpart. “Karma doesn’t miss. Big mouth, glass hands – maybe just stick to talking instead of fighting,” Tsarukyan posted on X. Now the thing is, since Tsarukyan exposed the real incident behind the UFC 313 matchup, will he get a good opponent? Will Dana White give him an opportunity after his withdrawal from UFC 311? Tell us your thoughts below.
The post Dana White Rejected Arman Tsarukyan’s 1 Demand as Justin Gaethje Negotiations Get Exposed appeared first on EssentiallySports.