“UFC Turns WWE” – Dana White Snubbing Arman Tsarukyan for Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje Upsets MMA Fans

UFC CEO Dana White snubs Arman Tsarukyan after announcing Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett to kick off the inaugural Paramount+ card.

“UFC Turns WWE” – Dana White Snubbing Arman Tsarukyan for Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje Upsets MMA Fans

Dana White snubs Arman Tsarukyan for interim title fight (via Instagram, Bleacher Report)

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The first UFC Paramount card is the most anticipated events as the promotion shifted away from its traditional PPV model. Dana White unveiled Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title as the main attraction at UFC 324. However, Arman Tsarukyan remained the No. 1-ranked lightweight despite not being included. The announcement marked a major turning point for the division.

The UFC’s transition followed its $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount+, granting the service full rights to all UFC events. Lightweight champion Ilia Topuria was initially expected to make his first title defense and headline the inaugural card under the new deal. However, he recently confirmed he would not compete in the first quarter of 2026 due to personal matters.

Tsarukyan returned to action at UFC Qatar, where he defeated Dan Hooker in what had been labeled a No.1 contender bout. The victory strengthened his claim for the next lightweight title shot. He publicly pushed for a matchup with Topuria immediately afterward. The Armenian superstar also expressed disappointment about being left out of the interim title fight and believed that it made no sense.

Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett for the interim title. Earlier, Topuria posted that he is dealing with some personal problems so he’s not gonna fight in the first quarter. So, the winner of Gaethje vs Paddy will be the the interim champion and will face Topuria.

Dana White via X

Speculation surfaced after Pimblett jumped from No.8 to No.5 in the lightweight rankings despite not having competed recently. The unexpected rise raised concerns about the level of opposition he had faced so far. Many questioned whether his résumé justified a title opportunity at this stage. The rankings shift, and his popularity intensified scrutiny surrounding the matchup.

Tsarukyan’s snubbing may also be tied to previous friction with White stemming from his late withdrawal from a title bout with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. The incident created tension at the time and lingered into later matchmaking discussions. His headbutt during the faceoff with Hooker at UFC Qatar added further complications. These factors may have influenced the decision to overlook the Armenian native.

The situation sets wider stakes for both Dana White and Tsarukyan as the lightweight division enters a pivotal phase. The interim title winner will determine Topuria’s immediate direction upon his return. Arman Tsarukyan undoubtedly remains one of the division’s top forces despite the setback, and how the UFC proceeds may shape the weight class’s long-term dynamics.

Fans react to Dana White snubbing Arman Tsarukyan for a title shot

Fans immediately reacted to the full UFC 324 lineup after White announced additional bouts, including Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes and Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong. Despite the stacked card, Gaethje vs. Pimblett quickly became the central talking point. Many felt the interim lightweight matchup overshadowed the rest of the card. The focus shifted due to Arman Tsarukyan’s absence from the picture.

Dana White snubs Arman Tsarukyan
Dana White snubs Arman Tsarukyan (via MMA Mania)

A large section of fans argued that the UFC continues to overlook Tsarukyan despite his status as the officially designated No.1 title contender. They pointed to his win over Hooker, which White himself had framed as a decisive eliminator. Discussion centered on past issues, including Tsarukyan’s late withdrawal from UFC 311. Many felt those moments still influenced the promotion’s decisions.

Others concluded that Pimblett’s placement reflected a case of “Dana White privilege”, noting his rapid ranking rise and consistent promotional backing. Fans acknowledged that Pimblett’s star power could benefit the Paramount+ era launch. His mainstream appeal was seen as a driving force behind the matchmaking. The decision was viewed as business-forward but competitively controversial.

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