‘DC’ has a sense of why the UFC overlooked the top lightweight contender.
Arman Tsarukyan was not happy when the promotion decided to go with Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim belt amid Ilia Topuria’s break.
Even though he held the No. 1 ranking at 155 pounds, it seems issues outside of fighting may have played a role in keeping Tsarukyan out of this title shot.
The move raised questions, and Daniel Cormier was among those surprised by it. But after watching Gaethje handle Pimblett at UFC 324, Cormier’s perspective shifted.
Daniel Cormier says UFC 324’s main event justified Arman Tsarukyan’s snub
Cormier was one of many who felt Tsarukyan had done enough to deserve a title shot, only to see it go to someone else.
Speaking in a recent video on his YouTube channel, ‘DC’ explained how he started to see the logic from the UFC’s perspective, especially with the possibility of Gaethje vs. Topuria being held at the White House.
“It feels like that’s a massive fight that is worthy of being on such a massive card,” Cormier began by saying.
“And with Topuria being who he is, with Gaethje being who he is, an American guy holding a UFC title – look, the UFC booked Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje. (If) Paddy Pimblett won, you had a star who was going to fight Ilia for the belt.
“Justin Gaethje won, now you have an American guy holding a portion of a title with a fight at the White House that is going to happen in June. It was a no-lose situation, and honestly I don’t know how we missed it.
“Everybody’s like, ‘Well, why is that dude, why isn’t it Arman?’ Now it kind of makes sense because now that Gaethje has the belt, you’ve got an American guy holding a title going into the White House.
“It worked one way or the other. Now it makes more sense to me.”
Demetrious Johnson backs Arman Tsarukyan as Ilia Topuria’s toughest challenge
While Tsarukyan might not be next in line for a title shot, Demetrious Johnson is among those who believe he should be.
Having recently trained with the Armenian fighter, Johnson spoke on his YouTube channel about what makes Tsarukyan a real threat to Topuria.
The former flyweight champion said that of all the lightweights, the 29-year-old is best equipped to beat ‘El Matador’.
He said: “Does he deserve a title shot over Justin Gaethje? To be honest with you, Arman Tsarukyan should be fighting, should have fought either Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett for the interim championship.
“Arman should be fighting the winner of Justin Gaethje vs Ilia Topuria… I think Arman Tsarukyan has the best chance in the lightweight division of beating Ilia Topuria.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
