This weekend’s UFC 324 main event is a blockbuster clash between top-ranked lightweights with the interim title on the line. There is one key name that is missing from the main event, however. Arman Tsarukyan.
Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are the two men competing for interim gold, however, rankings, form and ability suggest that he should be the one competing for the interim title.
There are three key reasons why Arman Tsarukyan isn’t the man weighing in on Friday, all of which do make a lot of sense.
3 Reasons Why Arman Tsarukyan Isn’t Fighting for Interim Gold at UFC 324
UFC 311 Fallout
Heading into 2025, the first headliner of the year at UFC 311 was the bitter rematch between the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev and top contender, Arman Tsarukyan. The two men had previously fought in 2019, with Makhachev getting his hand raised in a fight of the night winning clash.
UFC 311 Fight week was going to plan. We had the press conference where Makhachev and Tsarukyan went back and forth, had a face off ahead of their Saturday clash.
One day before the fight, there was an issue. Arman Tsarukyan reported to the UFC that he had suffered a back issue and was forced to withdraw from the fight, 24 hours ahead of fight night. One day prior to the first PPV of the year, half of the main event was no longer going to compete.
Renato Moicano would step up and face Makhachev in a one-sided fight, which went the Russian’s way, and interestingly, the UFC never reported that Tsarukyan had hurt his back, rather he was having weight issues…
UFC 300 Incident
Although this happened before UFC 311, it’s certainly a stain on the reputation of Arman Tsarukyan.
Heading to the octagon for his UFC 300 bout with former champion, Charles Oliveria, Arman Tsarukyan got into an altercation with a fan in the crowd. This, in turn, lead to a nine-month suspension and a hefty fine. Not a good look for a potential championship contender.
Arman Tsarukyan has been suspended 9 months for punching a fan at #UFC300 during his walkout.
On top of it he will be fined $25k.
If he does an anti-bullying PSA video his suspension will be reduced to 6 months.
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 25, 2024
Weigh-In Headbutt
After a long time away from action (a year and a half), Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled to return to action in the headliner of the UFC’s debut in Qatar. Although there was a little needle between Tsaruykan and his opponent, Dan Hooker, it was merely competitive.
After successfully making weight, injury-free and daily back, the two men faced off at the ceremonial weigh-ins ahead of their lightweight main event. It would be Tsarukyan who would cause controversy, throwing a headbutt at Hooker, landing cleanly.
Not only was it unnecessary, but also idiotic. Although Hooker would be fit to fight, there was the chance that Hooker could have been cut, hurt or rendered unable to fight, again preventing the return of Tsarukyan. It was a huge risk that, luckily for the Armenian, didn’t affect the fight. Dana White said that this was the sole reason that Tsarukyan isn’t competing at UFC 324 for the interim title, however, the prior reasons certainly helped fuel the fire.
