UFC’s Controversial Decision Leaves Fans Fuming—But Was Arman Tsarukyan Really the Problem?
The MMA world is still buzzing with frustration over the UFC’s decision to kick off its 2026 season with a matchup that has left many scratching their heads. At UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will clash for a newly created interim lightweight title, but the real drama lies in who wasn’t included: Arman Tsarukyan. Despite his undisputed status as the top contender and an impressive winning streak, Tsarukyan was snubbed—and now, he’s revealing why.
But here’s where it gets controversial... During a recent appearance on a Kick stream with Adin Ross, Tsarukyan shared the UFC’s reasoning behind the decision. According to the Armenian star, the promotion deemed him ‘too dangerous’ to feature on the debut card for Paramount+. The UFC cited a string of incidents, including Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal from a title shot against Islam Makhachev, his punch at a fan during UFC 300, and a headbutt directed at Dan Hooker just days before their UFC Qatar bout. These actions, the UFC argued, made him a risky choice for such a high-profile event.
And this is the part most people miss... While Tsarukyan’s behavior undoubtedly played a role, the decision has sparked a heated debate among fans. Was the UFC justified in sidelining the No. 1 contender, or did they prioritize optics over merit? Tsarukyan himself seems to accept the outcome, stating, ‘I’ll just wait and I know my belt is not gonna be like—it’s gonna be mine. I work everyday because of that.’ But the question remains: Did his past actions truly make him ‘too dangerous,’ or is this just a convenient excuse?
A Legend’s Return on the Horizon? With his UFC future uncertain, Tsarukyan is keeping busy in the grappling world. He’s set to face ex-PFL champion Lance Palmer this Saturday, but that’s not all. Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian hinted at a potential grappling match between Tsarukyan and UFC legend Dustin Poirier in February. While Poirier hasn’t signed on the dotted line yet, negotiations are reportedly underway. If Poirier declines, Martirosian teased another mystery opponent—someone the entire MMA community is eagerly awaiting.
The Bigger Question: Who’s Really to Blame? This situation raises broader questions about the UFC’s decision-making process. Is it fair to penalize a fighter for past mistakes when they’ve proven their skill in the octagon? Or should the UFC prioritize maintaining a squeaky-clean image for high-profile events? And what does this mean for Tsarukyan’s future in the lightweight division?
Your Turn to Weigh In
What do you think? Was the UFC right to sideline Arman Tsarukyan, or did they miss an opportunity to showcase the division’s best? And how would a grappling match between Tsarukyan and Poirier play out? Let us know in the comments below—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
