UFC Champion Gaethje Misses Knockout While Taking Trump Call

Justin Gaethje, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, missed a significant moment in the octagon at UFC 331 when Arman Tsarukyan secured a first-round knockout. The champion's absence from the action was not due to scheduling conflicts or injury, but rather an unexpected phone call from US President Donald Trump that arrived just as the fight began.

Gaethje received the call immediately after the opening bell, forcing him to step away from viewing the bout. The timing meant the champion was engaged in conversation while Tsarukyan delivered a devastating performance that concluded the fight in the opening round.

The incident highlights the unique circumstances that can occur at major sporting events, where high-profile athletes may find themselves managing unexpected interruptions. Gaethje's status as both a prominent UFC fighter and public figure positioned him to receive the presidential call during the event.

Tsarukyan's impressive first-round finish at UFC 331 has nonetheless garnered significant attention in mixed martial arts circles, establishing him as a notable competitor in the lightweight division despite the champion's unavailability to witness the performance firsthand.