TLDR
- UFC 324 will feature an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett despite top-ranked Arman Tsarukyan being available
- Ariel Helwani criticized the matchmaking as a “bogus fight” that prioritizes star power over rankings
- Ilia Topuria withdrew from UFC 324 citing personal issues and wanting to focus on his children
- The event kicks off the UFC’s $7.7 billion deal with Paramount that eliminates pay-per-view
- Helwani pointed out multiple divisions where top contenders were passed over for marquee names
The UFC’s first event under its new $7.7 billion Paramount deal has sparked controversy before a single punch has been thrown. UFC 324 will headline an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, but veteran journalist Ariel Helwani is calling out the matchmaking.
Dana White announced the card during a primetime NFL broadcast, promising fans a “stacked” event to launch the new era. The deal eliminates pay-per-view, making UFC content more accessible. White called the lineup “absolutely stacked” and said 2026 would be “our best year ever.”
But Helwani fired back hours later with pointed criticism on social media. He wrote “Next time you’re told we make the best fights remember this moment” before listing matchups he believes were mishandled. The journalist specifically targeted the interim title fight that excludes Arman Tsarukyan.
Tsarukyan holds the number one ranking in the lightweight division. He recently submitted Dan Hooker in his last fight. The Armenian-Russian fighter has been seeking a title shot as early as January 2026.
Instead, the UFC booked Gaethje against Pimblett for the interim belt. Pimblett is coming off a win over Michael Chandler and has a seven-fight winning streak in the promotion. However, his ranking doesn’t match Tsarukyan’s credentials.
Champion’s Personal Issues Force Interim Title
The interim title exists because champion Ilia Topuria withdrew from the card. Topuria released a statement explaining he won’t fight in the first quarter of next year. He cited a “difficult moment in my personal life” and wanting to focus on his children.
Topuria said he doesn’t “want to hold up the division” and supports the UFC’s decision to create an interim title. The undefeated champion just completed a historic run with knockouts of Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. He also moved up to lightweight and finished Charles Oliveira in the first round to become a two-division champion.
White confirmed the winner of Gaethje versus Pimblett will face Topuria in a unification bout when he returns. But Helwani’s criticism extends beyond the lightweight division. He pointed to featherweight, where Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy are both undefeated and ready.
Multiple Divisions Face Similar Questions
The welterweight division also raised questions. Helwani noted that Islam Makhachev will apparently face Kamaru Usman while fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Michael Morales, Carlos Prates and Ian Garry remain available. All four have strong cases for title contention.
Helwani called this pattern a contradiction. White promoted the card as proof the UFC makes the best fights. But the matchmaking appears to favor marketable names over strict rankings.
The UFC 324 card also features Kayla Harrison versus Amanda Nunes. White called it “the biggest women’s fight ever.” That fight appears on the main card instead of serving as a co-main event to the interim title.
The Paramount deal marks a turning point for UFC distribution. Fans will no longer need to purchase pay-per-views for major events. The partnership aims to make the sport more accessible starting in 2026.
Tsarukyan has expressed interest in a January title shot. With the interim fight scheduled, he may need to take another bout against a top contender. White has not commented on Helwani’s specific criticisms.
The UFC 324 event will proceed as planned with Gaethje versus Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. Topuria will notify the promotion when he’s ready to return to competition.
