• Paddy Pimblett says Arman Tsarukyan “has no one to blame” for missing a title shot.
  • Interim title between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje set for UFC 324 while champion Ilia Topuria is sidelined.
  • Dana White cited Tsarukyan’s injury withdrawal and misconduct as reasons he was passed over.
  • Pimblett welcomes a future fight with Tsarukyan if Topuria remains out of action.

Pimblett defends interim title slot

Paddy Pimblett is defending why he and Justin Gaethje were selected to fight for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, and he’s pointed the finger at Arman Tsarukyan for missing his chance.

With champion Ilia Topuria out dealing with personal issues, the UFC booked Pimblett vs. Gaethje as the interim title main event. That decision angered some fans and fighters because lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan — ranked above both men — did not receive the opportunity.

Speaking to reporters ahead of UFC 324, Pimblett said the situation “just panned out” and suggested Tsarukyan’s own actions played a role in being passed over. Watch Pimblett’s comments here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCS9vkkQvgc

Why Tsarukyan was skipped

UFC boss Dana White has repeatedly pointed to two key reasons Tsarukyan was not chosen: a fight-week injury that forced him out of a title fight against then-champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025, and disciplinary issues since — including a walkout altercation with a fan and a reported headbutt on Dan Hooker during a weigh-in faceoff.

The Nevada Athletic Commission also suspended Tsarukyan after the walkout incident at UFC 300, and White said the headbutt incident factored into the promotion’s decision.

Pimblett echoed that stance in his blunt remarks, calling Tsarukyan a “little b*tch” and saying he understood why the UFC gave the interim title shot to him and Gaethje instead of Tsarukyan.

Pimblett: I’d still fight Tsarukyan

Despite the barbs, Pimblett said he would accept a fight with Tsarukyan if he were offered one. He told reporters he hasn’t been offered the matchup but would take it “in a heartbeat” if Topuria’s absence stretches into midyear and the UFC strips the champion.

“I’ve never been offered to fight Arman. If I ever got offered to fight Arman, I would have punched his head in by now,” Pimblett said, adding that he’s ready to defend the interim belt against anyone — Tsarukyan, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira or others.

What’s next

First up for Pimblett is Justin Gaethje on Jan. 24 at UFC 324. A win would make Pimblett interim champion and set up a potential showdown with Topuria if the champion returns — or a reshuffle of contenders if Topuria remains sidelined.

For Tsarukyan, the window to a title shot will depend on discipline, medical fitness and how the division reshapes in the Paramount broadcast era. Dana White’s public comments make clear the promotion expects fighters to avoid off-cage incidents if they want championship opportunities.

Whether Pimblett and Tsarukyan eventually meet inside the Octagon, the lightweight division will be watching closely as UFC 324 kicks off a new broadcast chapter for the promotion.

Image Referance: https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/466504/paddy-pimblett-little-btch-arman-tsarukyan-has-no-one-to-blame-but-himself-for-not-getting-a-title-shot