When Dana White and Co. bypassed No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan in favor of Paddy Pimblett for the interim title shot at UFC 324. While it left critics and fans puzzled, Tsarukyan knows that there is a reason. Now, the promotion will headline its first event of the year on January 24 with Pimblett vs. Gaethje for the lightweight interim title, kicking off UFC’s Paramount+ broadcasting deal.

Initially, many speculated that the UFC was still sidelining Arman Tsarukyan for jeopardizing UFC 311, when he pulled out of the title fight just days after missing weight. Some even suggested the new UFC-Paramount deal factored into the decision. But the situation is more complex. Tsarukyan recently acknowledged his own part, admitting that his past controversial actions made the UFC hesitant to risk him on their first Paramount fight card.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals what kept him off the UFC 324 fight card

“I was supposed to fight for the title. Yeah. And then they said, you’re too dangerous to push you on the first card on the Paramount. Because headbutt, pull out, beat fan. That’s why they said, you got to wait. And I said, OK, what I can do? Yeah. I’ll just wait,” Arman Tsarukyan told Adin Ross and MMA Guru.

UFC star Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov also echoed the sentiment, suggesting that the promotion’s Paramount deal may have played a role, with the UFC favoring English-speaking fighters who can better connect with Western audiences, which can be a challenge for some Russian fighters.

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Despite his immense talent, Tsarukyan has struggled with his temper, which became evident at UFC 300. After defeating Charles Oliveira, he got into an altercation with a fan while leaving the arena and even threw a punch, leading the NSAC to suspend him and withhold 20% of his purse. The fan later apologized and chose not to press charges.

Last year, he was again involved in controversy during the ACBJJ title match, when he attempted to kick his opponent Mehdi Baydulaev, nearly sparking a brawl. Despite the tension, Tsarukyan secured victory in the final seconds of the grappling match. He is now set to return to wrestling under RAF 5, putting his UFC career on hold for the time being.

Tsarukyan has no ill will against Dana White and the UFC

Arman Tsarukyan has gone to great lengths to maintain his relationship with the UFC. Last year, he even made weight as a backup fighter for the UFC 317 lightweight title event between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, ready to step in at a moment’s notice. He later submitted Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. Despite his efforts, Dana White and the UFC chose not to grant him a title shot, instead booking Paddy Pimblett against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight crown.

Currently in America for the RAF, Arman Tsarukyan has already declared himself as an unofficial backup for the event. He holds no ill will toward the promotion. He said he understands the UFC’s business approach, pointing out that it is a fan-driven sport.

“You have to understand that the organizations have their own plans. It’s big marketing, big business. They signed a big contract with Paramount; they need American champions, English champions. That’s my opinion. I think another Russian will become a champion, 5–6 belts will end up in Russia. I think because of that, they slowed me down a bit,” said Tsarukyan.

At the moment, Arman Tsarukyan’s next title shot remains uncertain. Who do you want to see at UFC 324, ‘Ahalkalakets’ or Paddy Pimblett? Share your pick below.