TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan claims UFC is protecting Paddy Pimblett by keeping them from fighting
- The number one contender was passed over for the UFC 324 interim title fight on January 24
- Dana White said Tsarukyan’s headbutt of Dan Hooker hurt his chances for high-profile fights
- Tsarukyan calls Gaethje ‘easy money’ for Pimblett and predicts he will avoid fighting him
- The Armenian fighter plans to serve as backup for the Pimblett vs Gaethje main event
Sources: Fighters Only | AOL | Cageside Press
Arman Tsarukyan believes the UFC is deliberately keeping him away from Paddy Pimblett to protect the rising star’s path to becoming champion. The number one ranked lightweight contender made the claims after being passed over for the interim title fight at UFC 324 on January 24.
Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt while champion Ilia Topuria takes a break from fighting due to personal family matters. Tsarukyan, ranked first at 155 pounds, was expected by many fans to receive the title shot instead.
“Everybody knows they’re trying to keep Paddy Pimblett away from me,” Tsarukyan said. “They want to make him a champion.”
The 29-year-old Armenian fighter explained why he thinks the UFC chose to match Pimblett with Gaethje. “They know if they put me against him, he’s gonna lose and the star is gonna be gone,” he said.
Arman Tsarukyan says he’s rooting for a Justin win because Paddy would avoid him otherwise
UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan says he’s rooting for Justin Gaethje to win, joking that if Paddy Pimblett wins, he might avoid a matchup with him. Fighters often keep a playful eye on… pic.twitter.com/y3HJedTUIr
— Fight Night MMA (@HealthVerse007) January 12, 2026
Headbutt Incident Cost Tsarukyan the Opportunity
UFC President Dana White addressed the decision to overlook Tsarukyan during a recent Barstool Sports podcast appearance. White said the contender’s headbutt of Dan Hooker at the ceremonial weigh-ins before UFC Qatar in November played a major role in the promotion’s reluctance to give him high-profile opportunities.
Tsarukyan also withdrew from a title fight with Islam Makhachev in January 2025 during fight week. These behavioral issues appear to have damaged his standing with UFC leadership.
The matchup between Pimblett and Gaethje surprised many observers. Gaethje is ranked fourth in the lightweight division while Pimblett sits at number five, making it unusual for them to compete for an interim title ahead of the top-ranked contender.
Tsarukyan views the Gaethje matchup as favorable for Pimblett. “Gaethje is easy money for him,” he said. “He’s old, he has maybe one or two fights left.”
Tsarukyan Plans to Serve as Backup Fighter
The Armenian contender has stayed active in other combat sports while waiting for his UFC opportunity. Over the past year, he competed in professional grappling matches against fighters including Patricky Pitbull, Benson Henderson, and Shara Magomedov.
On Saturday, Tsarukyan made his freestyle wrestling debut at RAF 5. He defeated former PFL champion and NCAA finalist Lance Palmer in the match.
Tsarukyan plans to travel to Las Vegas for UFC 324 later this month. He will weigh in as an alternate in case either Pimblett or Gaethje withdraws from the main event.
The 29-year-old contender holds a record of 23-3 in MMA and 10-2 in the UFC. Pimblett is on a seven-fight win streak in the promotion with a 22-3 overall record and 7-0 UFC record.
Tsarukyan remains pessimistic about his chances of facing the Liverpool fighter. “I’m a nightmare for him and he knows that if we’re gonna fight, he’s gonna lose,” he said. “He’s gonna try not to fight me his whole life.”
The contender also questioned whether Pimblett could defeat Topuria if he wins the interim belt. “He’s not gonna be even real champion,” Tsarukyan said. “There is Ilia Topuria, and he can’t beat even Ilia Topuria.”
Tsarukyan said he hopes Gaethje knocks out Pimblett at UFC 324. The event takes place on January 24 in Las Vegas.
