Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC title snub has left the MMA world in shock—and he’s just as stunned as everyone else. Imagine being the undisputed No. 1 contender for a year, only to be completely overlooked for an interim title fight. It’s a move that’s sparked outrage, confusion, and a whole lot of debate among fans and fighters alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a fair decision, or is the UFC prioritizing hype over merit?
With lightweight champion Ilia Topuria sidelined due to personal matters, the UFC announced an interim title fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026. This event marks the first under the promotion’s new seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount-CBS, and it’s clear the UFC is aiming for maximum exposure. But Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), who’s been patiently waiting at the top of the rankings, was inexplicably left out of the conversation.
Tsarukyan didn’t expect an immediate shot at Topuria, but he never imagined he’d be bypassed for an interim title bout that clearly needed two contenders. In an interview with ESPN, he shared his disbelief: ‘Two days before they announced the fight, I was stressed. I couldn’t believe it. I kept thinking, ‘No way, this can’t be happening,’ but they told me, ‘It’s happening. Don’t stress—it is what it is.’ Despite the snub, Tsarukyan remains focused on his goal, vowing to continue training and proving he’s the best in the division. ‘Paddy, easy work. Justin, easy work. Ilia, easy work. The only hard fight was Islam (Makhachev), but he’s gone. Nobody’s on my level right now,’ he declared confidently.
And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan believes this is all part of the UFC’s marketing strategy. He suspects the promotion is setting up a high-profile grudge match between Topuria and Pimblett, two of MMA’s biggest stars who’ve been feuding for years. ‘I knew the UFC wanted Ilia vs. Paddy. Even if I’d knocked out Dan Hooker, I don’t think it would’ve mattered—they already had their plan,’ he explained. ‘They want to build Paddy into a star, give him a title shot against Topuria, and create a massive fight—kind of like Khabib vs. Conor, but without the same level of competition.’
Coming off a dominant submission win over Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 265 in Qatar, Tsarukyan is on a five-fight winning streak and boasts a 10-1 record in his last 11 fights. For him, this snub is personal. ‘It’s hard because it’s my goal. Guys like Paddy beat one ranked opponent, get a fake ranking boost to No. 5, and suddenly they’re in title contention. It’s not just a sport—it’s a business. But I’ll be a champion. It’s just a matter of time.’
Here’s the burning question: Is the UFC sacrificing fairness for fanfare? Tsarukyan’s case highlights the tension between meritocracy and marketability in combat sports. While Pimblett’s star power is undeniable, does he truly deserve a title shot over the division’s top contender? And what does this mean for the future of the lightweight division? Let’s hear your thoughts—is the UFC making the right call, or is Tsarukyan getting a raw deal? Sound off in the comments!
