UFC light-weight contender Arman Tsarukyan isn’t hiding his frustration after being handed over for an interim title shot. Regardless of his dominant victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, the promotion has as a substitute booked Justin Gaethje in opposition to Paddy Pimblett for the interim belt at UFC 324.
“It simply doesn’t make sense,” Tsarukyan informed reporters, echoing the sentiment he shared on social media. “I end a prime man like Hooker in two rounds, I’m able to battle in January, they usually go in one other route.”
make it make sense 🤦🏻♂️
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) November 28, 2025
Left within the Shadows After a Standout Win
Simply final weekend, Arman Tsarukyan put your entire light-weight division on discover. He didn’t simply beat Dan Hooker; he dismantled him, forcing a submission within the second spherical. The victory was an announcement—the type that normally catapults a fighter straight right into a championship dialog.
Tsarukyan felt he had completed all the pieces required. “I informed the UFC I’m wholesome and I could make a fast turnaround for the Paramount card,” he mentioned, referring to the January pay-per-view. “The objective was at all times the title. After that efficiency, I assumed it was assured.”
As a substitute, the information broke that Justin Gaethje, who had been vocal about getting a title shot or strolling away, would face the rising star Paddy Pimblett for the interim strap. For a lot of watching, the choice was a head-scratcher. Why create an interim title battle that leaves the division’s primary contender on the sidelines?
The Questions Everyone seems to be Asking
The matchmaking has left followers and pundits alike making an attempt to decipher the UFC’s logic. The obvious query is why Tsarukyan was neglected after such a decisive win. His victory over Hooker appeared to test each field, making his exclusion from the title image obscure from a sporting perspective.
Fan response has been largely sympathetic to Tsarukyan. On social media and boards, many are expressing frustration, seeing the transfer as prioritising a marketable storyline—the favored Pimblett’s speedy ascent—over aggressive advantage.
Complicating issues additional was Dana White’s affirmation in regards to the standing of undisputed champion Ilia Topuria. With Topuria confirmed to be out for the primary quarter of the 12 months, the trail appeared clear for a real prime contender to battle for interim gold. The announcement that Topuria will face the winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett upon his return successfully slams the door on Tsarukyan’s fast title hopes, leaving his subsequent step a thriller.
For now, Tsarukyan is left ready, a champion-calibre fighter and not using a crown to chase. “I’m probably the most harmful man on this division,” he acknowledged. “In the end, they’ll have to provide me my shot.”
