Las Vegas, January 16, 2024 – Arman Tsarukyan believes the UFC is prioritizing star power over merit, alleging he was passed over for an interim lightweight title shot in favor of paddy Pimblett. The decision has sparked controversy within the mixed martial arts community, raising questions about the promotion’s matchmaking strategies.
Pimblett Gets the Shot, But Why?
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The unexpected pairing of Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim belt on January 24th has left many wondering about the UFC’s reasoning.
- Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett, ranked number five, will face fourth-ranked Justin Gaethje for the interim title.
- Arman Tsarukyan, the number one contender, was bypassed for the chance.
- Tsarukyan suggests Pimblett’s popularity is the key factor in the UFC’s decision.
- Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is currently on a break due too personal reasons.
Pimblett will face American Justin Gaethje for the interim belt on January 24th, a matchup that surprised many given the rankings. Gaethje currently sits at number four, while Pimblett is ranked fifth. Tsarukyan, widely considered the top contender, was notably excluded from the equation.
“They know if they’re going to put me against him, he’s going to lose and the star is going to be gone,” Tsarukyan stated after competing in a wrestling match over the weekend. He believes the UFC sees him as a threat to Pimblett’s rising star.
tsarukyan also downplayed Gaethje’s chances against pimblett, suggesting the veteran fighter is nearing the end of his career. “Gaethje is easy money for him. He’s old, he has maybe one or two fights left,” he said.”So that’s why they give him the interim title shot as he’s not going to be a real champion, because there’s Ilia Topuria, and I never think he can beat Ilia Topuria.”
Dana White’s Explanation and Past Incidents
UFC president dana White has remained guarded about the decision to overlook Tsarukyan, but acknowledged that the 29-year-old’s conduct played a role. White alluded to the incident where Tsarukyan headbutted Dan Hooker at a weigh-in before a previous victory.
Tsarukyan’s history also includes withdrawing from a scheduled title fight with islam Makhachev in January 2025 during fight week, adding another layer to the UFC’s considerations.
What is the UFC’s strategy for interim title fights? The UFC created an interim bout due to lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, 28, taking a break from competition due to personal matters concerning his family. The expectation is that Tsarukyan will challenge the winner of the Gaethje-Pimblett bout, either for the full championship or if Topuria’s return is further delayed.
A Fight Pimblett Will Avoid?
Despite the potential path to a championship fight, Tsarukyan is skeptical that Pimblett will ever willingly face him. “I’m a nightmare for him and he knows that if we’re going to fight, he’s going to lose. He’s going to try not to fight me his whole life,” he asserted.
Tsarukyan concluded with a bold prediction, stating, “I hope that Justin Gaethje is going to knock him out.”
