• Paddy Pimblett defends earning the UFC 324 interim lightweight title shot over Arman Tsarukyan.
  • Pimblett points to Tsarukyan’s past conduct and missed opportunities as reasons he was passed over.
  • The interim title fight is Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje on Jan. 24 while Ilia Topuria remains sidelined.
  • Pimblett says he would gladly fight Tsarukyan if Topuria can’t return by midyear.

Pimblett defends interim title shot at UFC 324

Paddy Pimblett pushed back on critics who say he doesn’t deserve the interim lightweight title opportunity, arguing he earned the shot with the division’s longest win streak and marketable momentum. With champion Ilia Topuria inactive for personal reasons, the UFC booked Pimblett to face Justin Gaethje as the UFC 324 main event on Jan. 24.

Why Tsarukyan was passed over

Pimblett suggested the decision to give him a title fight over Arman Tsarukyan came down to timing and Tsarukyan’s recent incidents. UFC officials, including Dana White, have cited Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from a title fight with Islam Makhachev in 2025 and disciplinary issues — a walkout altercation and a weigh-in headbutt — as reasons he was skipped for the interim belt.

Speaking to reporters before UFC 324, Pimblett used blunt language to describe Tsarukyan and defended the matchmaking choice: he said the promotion picked what it believed was the best matchup for the moment — himself against Gaethje — rather than reward conduct that slowed the division.

Pimblett open to fighting Tsarukyan in future

Despite the verbal shots, Pimblett left the door open to facing Tsarukyan later. He said he hasn’t been offered that fight yet, but if Topuria remains out through June or July he supports stripping the title and facing whoever the UFC puts in front of him — Tsarukyan included.

“If I ever got offered to fight Arman, I would have punched his head in by now,” Pimblett said, adding he’d take the fight “in a heartbeat” if the circumstances require it. For now, his focus is on Gaethje, a veteran contender Pimblett called a legend and a worthy opponent for an interim title matchup.

What’s next for the lightweight division

The interim title at stake at UFC 324 could shape the lightweight picture if Topuria’s absence continues. Pimblett-Gaethje will provide a temporary champion or a top contender ready to face Topuria on his return. The matchup also fuels debates about conduct, opportunity and how the UFC balances rankings with promotional and disciplinary considerations.

First up for Pimblett: get past Gaethje on Jan. 24, then the conversation will turn to who stands across from the winner — Topuria’s return, a rematch or a fresh challenger like Tsarukyan.

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