Overview
- Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are officially booked for the interim lightweight belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, with the winner expected to unify against champion Ilia Topuria when he returns.
- Islam Makhachev publicly argued that Arman Tsarukyan deserved the next title shot and urged him to be patient as the division reorders.
- Dana White reiterated that Tsarukyan must work his way back and hinted at private factors influencing matchmaking, saying those details will not be discussed publicly.
- Tsarukyan is staying active with two December grappling bouts, facing ACA champion Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov on Dec. 17 and UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov on Dec. 30.
- Gaethje declined Tsarukyan’s offer to help him prepare for Pimblett, citing potential future opposition, and said his training will focus on trusted partners as he eyes a unification bout.