UFC want to make Paddy Pimblett lightweight champion, says Arman Tsarukyan

Arman Tsarukyan said his chance at the interim lightweight title was ignored because the UFC wanted to make Paddy Pimblett champion.

Liverpool’s Pimblett will face American Justin Gaethje for the interim belt on January 24, while number one contender Tsarukyan was rejected.

The matchup was a surprise, considering Gaethje was ranked fourth and Pimblett was ranked fifth.

Tsarukyan suggested Pimblett’s star power warranted him the fight.

“They know that if they put me against him, he will lose and the star will disappear,” Tsarukyan said after returning to the field in a wrestling match over the weekend.

“Gaethje is easy money for him. He’s old, maybe he’s got a game or two left.

“That’s why they’re giving him the interim title shot, because he won’t be a real champion, because there’s Ilia Topuria and I don’t think he can ever beat Ilia Topuria.”

UFC president Dana White was coy about why he ignored Tsarukyan in their interim title fight, but admitted he contributed to the decision by accepting a headbutt from 29-year-old Dan Hooker at the weigh-in before his latest win.

Tsarukyan also withdrew from his title fight with Islam Makhachev during fight week in January 2025.

28-year-old lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is currently taking a break from fighting due to personal reasons surrounding his family.

The UFC decided to hold an interim bout in his absence, and fans would expect Tsarukyan to fight the winner of Gaethje v Pimblett if the interim titleholder is promoted to full champion or Topuria’s return is further delayed.

But Tsarukyan is pessimistic about the 31-year-old Pimblett agreeing to fight him.

“I am a nightmare for him and he knows that if we fight he will lose. He will try not to fight with me for the rest of his life,” he said.

“I hope Justin Gaethje knocks him out.”