Overview
- UFC 324 on January 24 features Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, with the winner expected to unify with Ilia Topuria.
- White told Barstool Sports the Hooker weigh-in headbutt "100 percent" factored into Tsarukyan being passed over, adding that multiple issues were considered.
- Tsarukyan was fined $25,000 and suspended nine months by the Nevada commission for attempting to punch a fan at UFC 300.
- He also withdrew on short notice from a scheduled title fight with Islam Makhachev last year, another mark White has cited in evaluating his candidacy.
- Despite a five-fight win streak capped by a November submission of Dan Hooker, Daniel Cormier said he remains puzzled by Tsarukyan’s exclusion and muted pushback.