Overview
- With champion Ilia Topuria on hiatus, the UFC set Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, opting against top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan.
- Play-by-play voice Jon Anik said on the JAXXON Podcast that Tsarukyan is being treated unfairly, while acknowledging only UFC leadership knows the full UFC 311 story.
- Coach Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal called the situation petty and argued Tsarukyan’s five-fight run, including a submission of Dan Hooker and a win over Charles Oliveira, merits a title shot.
- Dana White has indicated Tsarukyan still has work to do after withdrawing during UFC 311 fight week, a pullout reported as a back injury but also questioned as weight-cut related.
- Tsarukyan remains active in grappling with a Dec. 30 draw against Shara Magomedov, and Hype FC says Tom Hardy declined a proposed bout due to filming commitments.