A shocking revelation: Arman Tsarukyan, a top contender in the UFC lightweight division, has revealed the reason he was denied a title shot, and it's more controversial than you might think.
Fans were left bewildered when the UFC opted to have Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje compete for an interim lightweight title at UFC 324, the promotion's inaugural event on the Paramount+ streaming platform in 2026. This decision left many questioning why Tsarukyan, who has a strong winning record and is considered a top contender, was overlooked.
But here's where it gets controversial... Tsarukyan himself has now shed light on the situation.
He disclosed the conversation he had with the UFC, revealing the reasons behind their decision.
According to Tsarukyan, the UFC deemed him 'too dangerous' for their debut Paramount card. This decision was based on a series of incidents, including a headbutt with Dan Hooker before their UFC Qatar main event, pulling out of a title shot against Islam Makhachev on short notice, and punching a fan at UFC 300.
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“I was supposed to fight for the title and then they said, ‘You are dangerous to push you on the first card on Paramount.’
“Because of the headbutt, pullout, (punching) fan. That’s why they said, ‘You’ve gotta wait.’ And I said okay. What can I do?
“I’ll just wait and I know my belt is not gonna be like — it’s gonna be mine. I work everyday because of that,” he concluded.
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The question is, was the UFC's decision to sideline Tsarukyan justified? He had earned his spot as the No. 1 contender, successfully made weight as a UFC 317 backup, and secured a victory over Dan Hooker, marking his fifth consecutive win.
But, could his past actions have truly cost him a shot at the title?
And this is the part most people miss... While waiting for his next UFC move, Tsarukyan is staying active in the grappling realm. He's set to make his Real American Freestyle debut against ex-PFL champion Lance Palmer and is in talks to grapple Dustin Poirier in February.
According to Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian, negotiations are underway for Tsarukyan to grapple Dustin Poirier in February.
“I don’t know, can I say this or not?” Martirosian said during an interview on Jason Takhtadjian’sYouTube channel.
“We had a conversation with Dustin Poirier, to make a grappling match against Arman in February.
“He didn’t sign the contract yet, but we had a conversation with him,” he added.
“Probably he will be the opponent for Arman. If not, we have also one guy the whole MMA community is waiting for his return. I will not say who…but everybody is waiting for his return.”
This brings up another question: How do you think a grappling match between Dustin Poirier and Arman Tsarukyan would play out?
Controversy alert: 'The Diamond’ called time on his career at UFC 318 in New Orleans, where he lost to Max Holloway in their five-round battle for the symbolic BMF title.
What are your thoughts on the UFC's decision? Do you think Tsarukyan's actions warranted the title shot snub? Share your opinions in the comments below!
