Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will compete for the interim lightweight title in the UFC’s new deal with Paramount, while Arman Tsarukyan, considered a top contender, is sidelined despite his ranking, highlighting criticisms of the UFC’s prioritization of entertainment over merit-based competition.
Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are gearing up for the main event under the UFC’s new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. The winner will snag the interim lightweight champion title. Exciting, right?
This fight was set after 155-pound champ Ilia Topuria announced a break in early 2026 for personal reasons. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, the real top contender, is left hanging without a title shot. Frustrating!
Tsarukyan’s sidelined due to a fight week injury that canceled his January 2025 title bout against Islam Makhachev. He made a strong comeback in November, dominating Dan Hooker. Yet, he was overlooked for the interim title fight. Ouch!
"It’s tragic," says retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown on The Fighter vs. The Writer. He empathizes with Tsarukyan, noting that despite a good upbringing, the fighter’s career is being unfairly stalled. Injuries happen, after all.
Brown argues that Tsarukyan’s higher ranking should’ve secured him the interim title shot. If UFC truly prioritized sport over entertainment, Tsarukyan would headline UFC 324. But alas, here we are.
Brown criticizes the UFC’s approach, suggesting their monopoly favors entertainment over pure sport. He loves the UFC for its entertainment but sees fighters like Tsarukyan getting shortchanged. It’s a tough gig.
He insists the Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight lacks the stakes Tsarukyan would bring. Ideally, Tsarukyan should fight Topuria for the title, with Gaethje or Pimblett waiting for their turn. Makes sense, right?
Brown calls Gaethje vs. Pimblett a "garbage fight," better suited as a co-main event. He believes Tsarukyan would easily beat either fighter, making him a real threat to Topuria. High praise!
Despite the UFC 324 outcome, Brown sees Gaethje or Pimblett as underdogs against Topuria. This matchup doesn’t showcase the division’s best, diminishing the title’s prestige. A real head-scratcher.
"The title should represent the baddest dude in the world," Brown asserts. It’s about finding the unbeatable fighter everyone else aims to dethrone. Yet, here we are with an unpredictable UFC landscape.
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