Here’s the cold, hard truth: Arman Tsarukyan’s dreams of a UFC title shot are slipping through his fingers, and he’s got no one to blame but himself. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see his missteps as career-ending mistakes, others argue he’s being unfairly sidelined. Let’s break it down.
With lightweight champion Ilia Topuria on the bench due to personal issues, the UFC didn’t hesitate to book an interim title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. This high-stakes matchup headlines UFC 324, the promotion’s first event under a massive $7.7 billion, seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount. Yet, the decision to give Pimblett and Gaethje this opportunity over Tsarukyan—who’s ranked higher—has sparked outrage among fans and fighters alike. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about rankings; it’s about marketability, discipline, and the UFC’s long-term vision.
UFC CEO Dana White has been vocal about Tsarukyan’s missed chance, pointing to his fight-week injury that scrapped a bout with then-champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025. But Pimblett hints there’s more to the story. In a recent interview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCS9vkkQvgc), he bluntly stated, ‘Arman’s a little bitch, they don’t really want to give it to him.’ Ouch. Pimblett argues that with Topuria out, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira tied up in a ‘BMF’ belt fight, and Tsarukyan’s recent controversies, the UFC saw him and Gaethje as the logical choice. ‘We’re not running around punching fans or headbutting fighters at weigh-ins,’ Pimblett added, taking a clear dig at Tsarukyan’s recent disciplinary issues.
Speaking of which, Tsarukyan’s suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission—after a physical altercation with a fan at UFC 300 and a headbutt to Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar—hasn’t done him any favors. White has cited these incidents as reasons for passing over Tsarukyan, though some fans argue they’re being used as convenient excuses. Here’s the real question: Is Tsarukyan’s talent being overshadowed by his temper, or is the UFC using his mistakes to push a more market-friendly narrative?
Pimblett, for his part, isn’t ducking anyone. ‘If I ever got offered to fight Arman, I would have punched his head in by now,’ he said, dismissing claims he’s avoiding the matchup. He even suggested stripping Topuria of his title if he can’t return by June or July, paving the way for him to face Tsarukyan, Holloway, Oliveira, or anyone else. But first, he’s got to get past Gaethje on January 24—a challenge he’s not taking lightly.
Controversial take: While Tsarukyan’s actions have undoubtedly hurt his case, the UFC’s decision feels less about merit and more about branding. Pimblett and Gaethje are fan favorites with clean records outside the octagon, making them safer bets for a high-profile fight. But does that mean Tsarukyan deserves to be left in the cold? Let’s hear it—is the UFC making the right call, or is Tsarukyan getting a raw deal? Sound off in the comments!
