Arman Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC), who pulled out of his title fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 just one day prior, clarifies that he was willing to face Gaethje on short notice – but in a catchweight bout.

Justin Gaethje will take on Rafael Fiziev in a lightweight co-main event bout at UFC 313 after the Kyrgyzstani contender offered to step in on short notice to replace the injured Dan Hooker.

Justin Gaethje says several fighters *understandably* turned him down at UFC 313. The former BMF titleholder was set to go to war with Dan Hooker next week in Las Vegas until a hand injury pulled "Hangman" from the lightweight bout altogether.