Summary
Arman Tsarukyan claims the UFC overlooked him for an interim lightweight title fight because they want Paddy Pimblett to become champion. Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for the interim title, although Tsarukyan expected a chance due to his high contender ranking. UFC President Dana White didn't choose Tsarukyan partly because of a past incident involving headbutting.
Key Facts
- Paddy Pimblett is on a seven-fight win streak in the UFC.
- Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on January 24.
- Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender but was not selected for the interim title fight.
- UFC president Dana White mentioned a headbutting incident as a reason for overlooking Tsarukyan.
- Tsarukyan had also previously pulled out of a scheduled title fight in January 2025.
- Current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is not competing due to personal reasons.
- Tsarukyan suggested that Pimblett's popularity influenced the UFC's decision.
- Tsarukyan believes Pimblett would not agree to fight him because he fears losing.
