Arman Tsarukyan says he was overlooked for an interim lightweight title shot as the UFC looks to crown Paddy Pimblett as champion.
Liverpool’s Pimblett will face American Justin Gaethje for the interim belt on January 24, with number one contender Tsarukyan bypassed.
This match was a surprise, as Gaethje is ranked fourth and Pimblett is ranked fifth.
Tsarukyan suggested that Pimblett’s star power secured him the fight.
“They know if they’re going to put me against him, he’ll lose and the star will be gone,” Tsarukyan said after returning to action in a wrestling match over the weekend.
“Gaethje is easy money on him. He’s old, he’s probably got one or two fights left in him.
“That’s why they gave him an interim title shot because he’s not going to be the real champion, because there’s Ilya Topuria out there, and I never think he can beat Ilya Topuria.”
UFC President Dana White is ambivalent about why he bypassed Tsarukyan for the interim title fight, but acknowledged that a headbutt to 29-year-old Dan Hooker at the weigh-in prior to his last win contributed to the decision.
Tsarukyan also withdrew from a title fight with Islam Makhachev at Fight Week in January 2025.
28-year-old lightweight champion Ilya Topuria is currently taking a break from fighting due to personal reasons related to his family.
The UFC decided to make an interim bout in his absence and fans will be hoping Tsarukyan will fight the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett if the interim title holder is upgraded to full champion or Topuria’s return is further delayed.
However, Tsarukyan is pessimistic about the 31-year-old Pimblett ever agreeing to fight him.
She said, “I’m a nightmare to him and he knows if we fight he’ll lose. He’ll try not to fight me his whole life.”
“I hope Justin Gaethje beats him.”
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