In his latest wave of big fight reveals, Dana White has got plenty of people talking.
Fans now know the matchups set to launch the UFC’s new era in Las Vegas on January 24th, marking the start of the organisation’s $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount in 2026.
Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are set to headline UFC 324 in Las Vegas, battling for the interim lightweight title. The division is holding an interim belt due to a hiatus for champion Ilia Topuria, who stepped away from the sport because of personal issues.
The matchup should be full of action, but it is not one everyone agrees with. The most vocal dissent comes from Arman Tsarukyan, who many believed was next in line for a shot before this announcement passed him over.
Arman Tsarukyan shares his frustration after being snubbed in favor of Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje
Tsarukyan’s frustration is understandable. The 27-year-old just submitted Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, notching his fifth consecutive win and solidifying his case as the top lightweight contender. Despite that, he was again passed over.
He had even served as the backup fighter for Topuria’s title win over Charles Oliveira in June, though some still point to his late withdrawal from UFC 311 as a mark against him.
In that context, the announcement of Pimblett vs Gaethje has led to plenty of complaints across social media, and Tsarukyan soon added his own voice to the chorus.
He wrote on X: “Make it make sense.”
Pimblett rose from No. 8 to inside the top five after beating Michael Chandler in April, despite not fighting since then.
Meanwhile, Gaethje has just one win since being knocked out by Max Holloway at UFC 300. Earlier this year, he told the UFC he would retire if he was not given a title shot next.
Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett headlines UFC 324 ahead of Amanda Nunes’ comeback
The choice of main event for UFC 324 has raised a few eyebrows, and not just because of who is involved.
Gaethje vs Pimblett is set to headline the promotion’s debut card under the new broadcast deal with Paramount+ in January.
While it is a big matchup, the choice to put it above Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes has not gone down well with everyone.
Harrison won that belt from Julianna Pena earlier this year. And after calling out her former teammate, the consensus female GOAT, she now gets her wish with what could be one of the most significant women’s fights ever seen in MMA.
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