Gaethje Spoke With Trump During UFC 331 Fight

Justin Gaethje maintained a four-minute phone call with the President during an Arman Tsarukyan bout.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Gaethje Spoke With Trump During UFC 331 Fight

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Justin Gaethje spent the first round of the Arman Tsarukyan and Mauricio Ruffy fight on a phone call with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The conversation took place at UFC 331 and focused on the topic of golf.

Why it matters

The distraction occurred as Arman Tsarukyan successfully returned from a 10-month layoff to secure a knockout victory. Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are now linked as potential opponents for a future lightweight title fight.

Arman Tsarukyan secured his victory via a first-round standing elbow strike. The phone call between Justin Gaethje and the President lasted approximately four minutes.

The players

Justin Gaethje

He is a professional mixed martial artist who previously defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States who spoke with Justin Gaethje during the event.

Arman Tsarukyan

He is a 30-year-old fighter who defeated Mauricio Ruffy via knockout at UFC 331.

Bryson DeChambeau

He is a professional golfer who was present with Donald Trump during the phone conversation.

Mauricio Ruffy

He is the mixed martial artist who was defeated by Arman Tsarukyan in Los Angeles.

The details

Justin Gaethje received the call at the opening bell, leaving him occupied while Arman Tsarukyan competed against Mauricio Ruffy. The President was accompanied by golfer Bryson DeChambeau during the discussion.

November 2025 marked the beginning of the 10-month layoff for Arman Tsarukyan.
Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June 2026.
Arman Tsarukyan defeated Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September 2026.

Season Trajectory

The victory by Arman Tsarukyan solidifies his position as a primary challenger for the lightweight championship. His win creates a direct path toward a high-stakes title bout against Justin Gaethje.

Arman Tsarukyan now stands as the clear next-in-line for a lightweight title shot. Justin Gaethje has indicated potential interest in facing Conor McGregor in a future matchup.

The takeaway

Fighters often navigate complex professional and personal networks that can coincide with major live events. The intersection of sport and high-profile communication remains a unique aspect of modern fight culture.