Overview
- Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett remain slated for the interim lightweight title on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas as the UFC launches on Paramount+.
- Arman Tsarukyan told CBS Sports he has not been asked to serve as the UFC 324 backup and will not cut weight without a guaranteed fight.
- Dana White confirmed Tsarukyan’s headbutt of Dan Hooker factored into bypassing the No. 1 contender, following prior disciplinary issues noted by regulators.
- Gaethje’s coach Trevor Wittman called this “our last run,” saying Gaethje plans to retire if he loses to Pimblett.
- Pimblett and Dan Hooker traded personal insults online, and Tsarukyan dismissed both as “trash cans,” as the feud among top lightweights escalates.