The unveiling of UFC 324’s main event has unleashed a wave of arguments throughout the division. UFC President Dana White revealed that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will compete for an interim lightweight belt on January 24 in Las Vegas. The organization introduced the interim championship because Ilia Topuria is temporarily away for personal reasons.
The broadcast was part of the first major promotional push ahead of the UFC’s partnership with Paramount set for 2026. While many fans welcomed the entertainment value of the pairing, others questioned why the number one ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan was overlooked.
Arman Tsarukyan Expresses Frustration After Being Passed Over
Arman Tsarukyan was widely viewed as the obvious candidate. His recent win at UFC Qatar marked his fifth consecutive victory, capped by a submission of Dan Hooker. Before that, Tsarukyan made weight as the backup for Ilia Topuria’s win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Despite those credentials, the lightweight standout will not be competing for the interim championship in January. His first public reaction was blunt.
“make it make sense 🤦🏻♂️” he posted on X, drawing thousands of replies within minutes.
make it make sense 🤦🏻♂️
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 28, 2025
Some analysts believe his late withdrawal from UFC 311 still lingers in the minds of UFC executives, although the promotion has not commented.
Justin Gaethje has only one victory since being stopped by Max Holloway at UFC 300. Pimblett, who defeated Michael Chandler earlier this year, rose from number eight into the top five without another fight.
Paddy Pimblett Responds With a Troll Directed at Arman Tsarukyan
Paddy Pimblett did not wait long to send his own message. Shortly after the title bout announcement, Pimblett shared a mocking post directed at Tsarukyan.
“You like apples? @ArmanUfc 🍎🤣” he wrote on X.
You like apples? @ArmanUfc 🍎🤣
— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) November 28, 2025
The two have been at odds for months. Tsarukyan dismissed Pimblett’s earlier claims to a title shot, stating publicly that the Englishman had not earned that level of opportunity. Pimblett appeared to store that criticism away, responding the moment his own title chance became official.
Pimblett’s tension with Ilia Topuria had already gained momentum earlier in the year when the two squared up inside the cage at UFC 317. His ranking climb only fueled expectations that they may eventually fight for a championship.
The lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett serves as the opening feature for the Paramount era. Many were surprised the interim championship was chosen over another major matchup on the same card.
Former bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes is returning to action opposite current title holder Kayla Harrison. Harrison claimed the title after defeating Julianna Pena earlier in 2025. Nunes has not fought since defending the belt against Irena Aldana at UFC 289 in 2023 and retired that evening. Her comeback is widely considered one of the biggest storylines of the year, making the lightweight placement a point of debate.
The UFC confirmed that the winner of Gaethje versus Pimblett will meet Ilia Topuria when the lightweight champion returns. That timing places Tsarukyan outside of the title picture until late 2026.
Tsarukyan previously said that if he did not receive a fight for a championship, the only opponent who interested him was Conor McGregor. With the interim bout already set, Tsarukyan must either stay inactive or reconsider his options.
The fallout from this decision has created one of the most intense debates in the division in years. Fans now wait to see whether Tsarukyan seeks a new challenge or continues campaigning for the chance many believe he has already earned.
