Overview
- UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas will feature Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, with a unification bout expected when champion Ilia Topuria returns.
- Top-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan was bypassed for the interim slot, drawing criticism as Islam Makhachev argued he should have received the title shot and urged him to be patient.
- White reiterated that Tsarukyan has to rebuild his standing and suggested undisclosed behind-the-scenes factors also influenced the matchmaking decision.
- To stay active, Tsarukyan booked two grappling matches: Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov on Dec. 17 and UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov on Dec. 30 in Yerevan under the Hype FC banner.
- Gaethje declined Tsarukyan’s offer to help him prepare for Pimblett, saying it would be unwise to bring in a potential future opponent despite appreciating the gesture.