Overview
- UFC 324 on January 24 will feature Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, leaving top contender Arman Tsarukyan out of the matchup.
- Lead UFC commentator Jon Anik said Tsarukyan is being treated unfairly, noting only a few UFC executives know the full story of his UFC 311 fight-week withdrawal.
- Coach Muhammad 'King Mo' Lawal called the perceived 'doghouse' treatment petty and pointed to Tsarukyan’s win streak that includes Charles Oliveira and a November submission of Dan Hooker.
- Tsarukyan has stayed active on the mats, drawing with Shara Magomedov at a Hype FC event after the promotion said Tom Hardy was offered a grappling match but declined due to filming commitments.
- Questioned reasons for the UFC 311 pullout and prior off-cage incidents linger as Dana White says Tsarukyan has work to do, even though Tsarukyan says the UFC renewed his contract and paid him a bonus, and Pimblett's recent criticism of his résumé drew fan pushback.