UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has given his thoughts on the promotional booking of Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett in an interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324.
Last weekend at UFC Qatar, Arman Tsarukyan managed to dominate and defeat Dan Hooker within two rounds. After such a comprehensive win, Arman himself noted that he felt like he was ready to take the step up to the championship. He even said he would be willing to quickly turn around and join the upcoming Paramount card in January.
Unfortunately, the UFC had other plans. After Ilia Topuria announced he would be taking a short break from mixed martial arts to deal with some personal issues, Dana White revealed that the aforementioned Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett would fight for the interim title at UFC 324.
Understandably, many people did not fully understand why Arman Tsarukyan did not take their plans into account. In one short statement on social media, Tsarukyan made his feelings completely clear.
Arman Tsarukyan responds to being overlooked for the UFC interim title fight
“Make it meaningful [facepalm emoji]”.
Some fans have pointed out that Arman has had to withdraw from fights in the past, and also that he had a long break prior to his big win over Dan Hooker. Regardless, this is one of the few moves from Dana White and the matchmakers that has left the masses scratching their heads.
What Tsarukyan does from here is very difficult to say. Dana has confirmed that Topuria will not defend the title against Tsarukyan next time, or at least he essentially did so when he said Ilia will face the winner of Gaethje vs Pimblett.
The lightweight division is full of absolute killers, and Arman is certainly one of them, but it’s clear he’s not the UFC’s favorite.
#Arman #Tsarukyan #issues #statement #response #Justin #Gaethje #Paddy #Pimblett #title #fight #announcement