UFC President Dana White provided initial insights into the reasons behind Arman Tsarukyan’s absence from the interim lightweight title bout at UFC 324.
Prominent UFC lightweight challenger Arman Tsarukyan will not be participating in the contest for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 scheduled for this month. Even after securing a remarkable victory over Dan Hooker in his last fight, Tsarukyan is set to observe while other lightweights, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, headline the UFC 324 event.
Following the announcement of the Gaethje versus Pimblett matchup, numerous supporters and analysts expressed disapproval of the UFC’s choice to grant Pimblett a title opportunity ahead of Tsarukyan. Although Pimblett and reigning champion Ilia Topuria had an intense confrontation after their fight at UFC 317, Tsarukyan arguably possesses a more distinguished record within the lightweight category.
Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 in the previous year, prior to his scheduled bout against Islam Makhachev, significantly contributed to UFC CEO Dana White’s continued deferral of Tsarukyan’s ambition for a title shot. However, additional factors are involved in the narrative concerning Tsarukyan, White, and the UFC’s lightweight roster.
Dana White Offers Significant Acknowledgment Regarding Arman Tsarukyan’s Recent Exclusion from Title Contention
Prior to his submission victory over Hooker at UFC Qatar in November, Tsarukyan and Hooker engaged in a heated staredown at the official weigh-in ceremony. Tsarukyan made head-to-head contact with Hooker during their face-off, prompting security personnel to intervene and avert any escalation between the two lightweight hopefuls.
White alluded to unstated ‘personal conduct’ when addressing Tsarukyan’s previous actions that factored into the UFC’s choice to sideline him for UFC 324. Nevertheless, as per White, Tsarukyan’s contentious interaction with Hooker also contributed to the situation.
During a recent discussion with Barstool Sports, White appeared to suggest that Tsarukyan’s physical confrontation with Hooker was a significant element in his non-inclusion in UFC 324.
White stated, “Absolutely, numerous elements have contributed.”
At the time of publication, Tsarukyan has not yet issued a reply to White’s recent remarks. He anticipates securing another high-profile match in the near future, possibly facing the victor of the Max Holloway versus Charles Oliveira 2 bout.
Tsarukyan has accumulated a streak of five consecutive victories following a unanimous decision defeat by Mateusz Gamrot in June of 2022.
