The choice for UFC 324 was already gaining some traction as Dana White snubbed the number one lightweight contender, Arman Tsarukyan, once again. In his place, he pushed Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for the promotion’s first Paramount+ event. However, with the latest health speculations around the latter, Ahalkalakets’ wish just might come true.

Gaethje’s training videos and photos have been circulating to amp up his upcoming fight. What the fans, however, noticed was a wound on his neck. A mysterious circular mark on Gaethje’s right neck made many speculate if it was a Staph infection.

Since the bout is set for January 24, if Gaethje indeed has a Staph infection that takes at least a week to two weeks to go away, he may not be his best self against Pimblett. For now, the American has cleared the air that it is not a wound but an ingrown hair on his neck, something that won’t affect his outing. On the other hand, it provides a perfect chance for Tsarukyan.

A few weeks ago, the Armenian had already called himself an unofficial backup for UFC 324. He stated that he won’t be cutting weight and will continue his training until the bout is over and he knows he doesn’t need to fight. Because if the opportunity knocks, he will be up for the challenge, whether it is ten days in advance or five.

“We have a difficult path ahead of us, and we have to be ready at all times,” Tsarukyan mentioned of UFC 324.

From the fans’ perspective, the whole setup looked like karma. Tsarukyan earned the chance for the title fight as the number one fighter who has been through it all. However, on the other hand, UFC presented a title fight to Paddy Pimblett, making a case for the popularity of the fighters triumphing the rankings once more. Fans saw through it immediately.

Even the co-main event raised eyebrows as many argue that a battle between two GOATs, Kayla Harrison’s defense against Amanda Nunes, deserves to be a main event on its own and should close the show. However, Gaethje versus Pimblett would bring more eyeballs for the promotion already trying its hand on a new stage.

Now, a situation that seemed like a snub might very well turn into a lucky break, and they are making sure their voice is heard.

Fans demand Arman Tsarukyan’s replacement as Justin Gaethje’s concerns mount

Gaethje looks to become a two-time interim champion in UFC 324, first capturing that title with a fifth-round stoppage against Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May 2020. However, he later lost the title to Khabib Nurmagomedov and then Charles Oliveira. But if he’s not at his best on January 24, this matchup would not have anything to look forward to. Hence, the MMA community didn’t hold back once the staph infection rumors surfaced.

Fans immediately connected the dots between Gaethje’s condition and Tsarukyan’s deserved opportunity with reactions ranging from concern to outright schadenfreude. One fan pointed out, “For Paddy’s sake, i hope it’s not staph lol. Just got done beating up an aging Michael Chandler and now beating up a staph infection Gaethje lmao”

While Pimblett has a 23-3 record, it is hard to ignore the unfortunate pattern building around Pimblett’s opponents. He had a TKO win over a 39-year-old Chandler in just three rounds. His fight against Bobby Green in UFC 304 saw a technical submission in just one round. Now, he’s about to fight The Highlight, who may not be capable of giving his best.

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That’s the very reason why some directly called for Tsarukyan to step in and settle the debate: “Get on a [plane] Arman, make Paddy earn it”

The frustration with Pimblett’s perceived luck came through loud and clear when one said, “Paddy’s such a lucky son of a b*tch. That indeed looks like staph infection on Gaethje’s neck.” As mentioned earlier, Gaethje has himself addressed the situation. However, if he is not able to fight Pimblett with his best version, the latter certainly could be a lucky fighter.

Some fans worried about a repeat of TJ Dillashaw’s controversial fight against Aljamain Sterling: “Hope Justin pulls out and Arman gets his shot. Justin is going to go in this fight at 50% and might get finished instead of pulling out. Going to be TJ all over again. None the less hope Justin wins.”

The demand for Tsarukyan became a rallying cry across platforms: “Please please pull out before it’s too late so Arman can be a replacement and we’ll see Paddy get beat up for good”

For the Armenian, he will be ready even if it’s a close call as he continues to train to appear in UFC 324, whether Gaethje is out or Pimblett is. But an early warning never hurts.

The fan verdict is clear—Gaethje needs to prioritize his health and not give Paddy a free win, while Tsarukyan deserves his moment. Whether it’s genuine concern or championship justice, the MMA community wants this switch to happen. Now it’s up to the UFC to listen, or watch their interim title fight crumble.