UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has accused the promotion of deliberately sidelining him from an interim title opportunity, claiming the organisation is attempting to fast-track Paddy Pimblett toward championship status.
The Armenian fighter believes his exclusion from the upcoming interim lightweight title fight is not based on sporting merit, but rather on Pimblett’s commercial appeal and star power.
Pimblett vs Gaethje Interim Title Fight Sparks Controversy
Liverpool-born Paddy Pimblett, currently riding a seven-fight win streak in the UFC, is set to face former interim champion Justin Gaethje on 24 January for the interim lightweight belt.
The announcement surprised fans and analysts alike, as Pimblett is ranked fifth in the lightweight division, while Gaethje sits fourth. Tsarukyan, widely regarded as the division’s most dangerous contender, remains the number one ranked challenger yet was passed over.
Tsarukyan: “They Want to Make Pimblett Champion”
Speaking after competing in a wrestling event over the weekend, Tsarukyan did not hold back in his criticism of the UFC’s decision-making.
“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 said.
According to Tsarukyan, the UFC views Pimblett as a marketable figure who can drive pay-per-view sales, making him a safer business option than a stylistic nightmare like himself.
“Gaethje is easy money for him,” Tsarukyan added. “He’s old, he has maybe one or two fights left. That’s why they give him the interim title shot.”
Doubts Over Pimblett’s Championship Potential
Tsarukyan also questioned whether Pimblett would ever become a legitimate undisputed champion, pointing to the looming presence of reigning lightweight king Ilia Topuria.
“He’s not going to be a real champion,” Tsarukyan said. “Because there’s Ilia Topuria, and I never think he can beat Ilia Topuria.”
Topuria, 28, is currently sidelined due to personal family matters, prompting the UFC to introduce an interim title fight in his absence. However, Tsarukyan believes the temporary belt is being used as a marketing tool rather than a merit-based decision.
UFC’s Rationale for Snubbing Tsarukyan
UFC president Dana White has been vague about the reasons behind Tsarukyan’s omission but previously acknowledged that disciplinary issues played a role.
White referenced Tsarukyan’s headbutt of Dan Hooker during a weigh-in ahead of his most recent victory, as well as his withdrawal from a scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev in January 2025 during fight week.
These incidents, according to White, damaged Tsarukyan’s standing with the promotion despite his elite-level performances inside the octagon.
A Fight Tsarukyan Believes Will Never Happen
Despite being widely seen as the most deserving contender, Tsarukyan doubts Pimblett will ever agree to face him.
“I’m a nightmare for him,” Tsarukyan said. “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.”
The 29-year-old concluded by backing Gaethje to derail Pimblett’s title hopes.
“I hope that Justin Gaethje is going to knock him out.”
What Happens Next in the Lightweight Division?
If Pimblett defeats Gaethje and either becomes undisputed champion or holds the interim belt for an extended period, fans would expect Tsarukyan to be next in line. However, his comments suggest he believes promotional politics may continue to delay that showdown.
With Topuria’s return date still uncertain, the lightweight division remains one of the most volatile and controversial in the UFC — balancing elite competition with commercial considerations.
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