Tsarukyan was asked if he thinks the UFC will match him up against another rising contender. Saint Denis (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) is booked against Hooker in the UFC 325 co-headliner on Jan. 31 in Sydney, but Tsarukyan doesn't expect that to be his next opponent.

Every life is a universe all its own.

UFC lightweight No. 1 Arman Tsarukyan believes he could face the winner of the interim title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett this summer.