Is Arman Tsarukyan Being Blackballed From A Title Shot?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Dec 13, 2025 12:42 AM ET

UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev says Arman Tsarukyan should be fighting for the lightweight title following the news that Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett will be an interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 on January 24.

The Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight came as a surprise, especially since the lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is taking time off for personal reasons until April, while the no. 1 contender, Arman, has been overlooked. Tsarukyan was set to face Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 311 this past January when Islam was the lightweight champion to avenge the loss in their first fight, but a back injury ruled him out one day before the bout. Despite Tsarukyan bouncing back with a submission win over Dan Hooker in November, Dana White has repeatedly stressed that Tsarukyan needs to “earn his spot again.” Makhachev recalled his own struggle to get a title shot, stating that he sees something similar for Tsarukyan.

“The organization may not like it, but they make more and more fights that I don’t understand. Of course, I think Arman should have gotten the title shot. Let’s be honest, Arman is not going to fight anytime soon. It’s Pimblett vs. Gaethje, whoever wins, he gets a shot at Topuria. Meaning one more year of layoff for Arman. It’s tough. Although I’ve had the same period in my career, I had 10 fights before getting the title shot, I mean a 10-fight winning streak, so Arman should probably wait a bit and be patient,” Makhachev said

Is It Justified?

The most compelling argument for Tsarukyan being unfairly bypassed is the disregard for the official UFC rankings. Tsarukyan is the No. 1 contender in the lightweight division, with an impressive five-fight win streak. Pimblett, while being a massive draw, has only recently entered the top five. The underlying issue is also Tsarukyan’s relatively lower profile and English proficiency compared to the fighters the UFC ultimately chose.

The UFC prefers champions who can generate headlines, sell Pay-Per-Views (PPVs), and lead the promotion efforts. Pimblett is a breakout star who drives huge fan engagement. A title fight with him, even an interim one, is a far easier sell to the casual audience than one featuring Tsarukyan. White has said it is nothing personal.

“You know what I didn’t do, I didn’t cut him, we’re not sideways with him, we don’t dislike him. It is what it is, it’s not like I’ve confronted Arman, Arman’s a man, he knows how this played out, he knows how this all went down behind the scenes, he knows. We all f—— know… Arman knows,” White said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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