Overview
- UFC 324 on January 24 will feature Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title without top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan.
- Commentator Jon Anik said Tsarukyan has been treated unfairly and noted only UFC insiders know what truly happened before UFC 311.
- Coach Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal called the perceived UFC “doghouse” over Tsarukyan’s withdrawal petty and argued he should be fighting for the belt.
- Tsarukyan pulled out of his UFC 311 title fight during fight week citing injury, with outside speculation ranging from weight-cut issues to a vlog mishap that remains unverified.
- Staying active, Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker in Qatar and drew with Shara Magomedov in a Hype FC grappling match as the promotion said Tom Hardy declined a proposed bout due to filming; he also says the UFC renewed his deal and paid a post-fight bonus despite the snub.