In a move that has baffled many fight fans, the UFC has booked Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, leaving the division’s top-ranked contender, Arman Tsarukyan, on the outside looking in.
Tsarukyan, who extended his win streak to five with a dominant submission over Dan Hooker in November, is now forced to watch a title fight he believes he deserves. “It doesn’t make any sense,” Tsarukyan told reporters, echoing the sentiment of many in the MMA community. “Real fighters get overlooked. I’m ready, but I guess they have other plans.”
make it make sense 🤦🏻♂️
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 28, 2025
Frozen Out of the Title Picture
The UFC’s decision has placed Tsarukyan in a purgatory familiar to many contenders: too high-ranked for most non-title fights, but not selected for the championship opportunity his record warrants. As the official #1 contender, his path to gold is currently blocked by a fight he wasn’t offered.
“I finished Dan Hooker. I’ve beaten everyone they’ve put in front of me,” Tsarukyan stated. “What more do I need to do? I am the most dangerous guy in this division, and they know it.”
The frustration is compounded by the nature of the bout replacing him. While Gaethje is a worthy former interim champion, the inclusion of the popular but less-proven Paddy Pimblett has been seen by many as the UFC prioritising marketability over meritocracy.
Staying Active Outside the UFC
Refusing to sit idle, Tsarukyan is taking a proactive approach. He revealed plans to stay competition-sharp by organising and participating in high-level wrestling matches outside the UFC’s banner.
“I will not get slow. I will not get comfortable,” he declared. “If the UFC doesn’t have a fight for me, I’ll create my own competition. I’m a fighter, not a spectator.”
This isn’t new territory for the Armenian-born fighter. He has previously showcased his elite grappling in promotions like Karate Combat and ACBJJ, most notably defeating former UFC champion Benson Henderson. These extracurricular activities keep his skills honed and his name relevant while he awaits his overdue shot at UFC gold.
The Waiting Game
For now, Tsarukyan is the mandatory challenger in waiting. The UFC has confirmed that the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett will face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria upon his return. This likely pushes Tsarukyan’s title shot to late 2026 at the earliest.
It’s a test of patience for the 28-year-old, whose prime fighting years are now. “My time will come,” he insists, projecting a confidence that belies his frustrating position. “They can’t avoid me forever. I’ll be here, I’ll be ready, and I’ll be better than ever when they finally call my name.”
Until that call comes, Arman Tsarukyan will continue to train, compete where he can, and remind the world why he remains the most formidable puzzle in the UFC’s lightweight division.