Why Arman Tsarukyan didn’t find out about the Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje result until 8 hours later

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Arman Tsarukyan wasn’t around to watch a major bout unfold in his weight class on Sunday night, even though it could have serious implications for his next move.

Many fans believe Tsarukyan has been unfairly overlooked by the UFC, arguing that he should be next in line for a shot at the winner of the fight held at the White House.

Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to become the undisputed champion. If he chooses not to retire and decides to defend his title, Tsarukyan is expected to be his first challenger.

But even though the outcome could determine who he faces next, Tsarukyan wasn’t able to tune in live and had to wait several hours before finding out the result from Washington, DC.

Arman Tsarukyan missed Justin Gaethje’s UFC Freedom 250 win over Ilia Topuria

Tsarukyan was initially set to be the backup for the White House event, ready to step in if either fighter had to pull out. But instead of weighing in, he found himself across the country, tied up with another commitment.

Fresh off a win over Tony Ferguson at RAF 10, his travel schedule kept him from catching one of the year’s most talked-about fights live.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan explained that his flight back had no WiFi, leaving him out of the loop for hours on how things had played out between Topuria and Gaethje.

“They didn’t have WiFi on the plane, and I was just sitting and saying: ‘No way. How can I miss this fight?’ For eight hours I was thinking: ‘What happened? What happened?’”

“When we landed my friend was like: ‘Justin won.’ I couldn’t believe it. To be honest. I was happy.”

He told the UFC again that he should be next in line for a shot at Gaethje, still frustrated after missing out earlier in the year when they gave Paddy Pimblett an interim title shot instead.

The ball is now in Dana White’s court to finally give Tsarukyan what he wants or continue overlooking him based on some of his recent behaviour outside of the Octagon.