The UFC’s decision to grant interim title fights to Paddy Pimblett and Diego Lopes over more qualified contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Movsar Evloev has sparked criticism and concerns about the sport’s meritocracy, with some arguing it prioritizes popularity over athletic achievement.
The UFC’s 2026 main events have stirred up quite the buzz. Paddy Pimblett is set for an interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, Diego Lopes gets another shot at featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski, just months after their last bout.
Critics are raising eyebrows, not at the fighters, but at the decisions. Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1 at lightweight, is left waiting despite being ready to fight. Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, undefeated at featherweight, also find themselves sidelined.
UFC legend Matt Brown voiced his concerns on The Fighter vs. The Writer. He sees these choices as symptoms of a monopoly, questioning the long-term impact on the sport. "It’s kind of sad," he lamented.
In the short term, these matchups might boost pay-per-view sales. But Brown argues for a merit-based system to ensure the sport’s longevity. Tsarukyan, who was set to face Islam Makhachev before an injury, has a strong case for a title shot.
Instead, Pimblett and Gaethje are in the spotlight, with the winner facing reigning champ Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan might have to wait until 2027 for his chance. "You’ve got to feel for Arman," Brown said, highlighting the unfairness.
Pimblett’s leap to a title shot is controversial. He hasn’t beaten anyone in the top 10, and his recent opponents have poor records. Brown pointed out, "We don’t know that much about Paddy Pimblett still."
Even Gaethje’s recent win came under unusual circumstances. Brown questions why these fighters are chosen over more deserving ones like Tsarukyan. "What a wild choice," he remarked.
As for Lopes, his rematch with Volkanovski is puzzling. Evloev and Murphy, who both deserve a shot, are overlooked. Brown doesn’t see the logic in this decision, especially since Lopes hasn’t shown significant improvement.
Brown believes this reflects a larger issue within the UFC. Fighters like Tsarukyan and Evloev, who focus on athletic excellence, shouldn’t have to become entertainers to get title shots. "They just want to be a world champion," Brown emphasized.
The situation raises questions about the sport’s future, as legitimate athletes are overshadowed by those with more media presence. It’s a challenge the UFC must address to maintain its integrity.
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