No chance! Tsarukyan rules out being the immediate reserve for the Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight at UFC 324.

Tsarukyan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

In November, Arman Tsarukyan fulfilled his obligation at UFC Qatar, but was negatively surprised a few days later. This was because Dana White ignored the Armenian's victory over Dan Hooker and announced that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett would headline UFC 324, an event scheduled for January 24th in Las Vegas (USA), for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). After being overlooked by the organization, the athlete made a drastic decision.

When asked if he would accept being the immediate reserve for the important fight, Tsarukyan was blunt, denying any interest in stepping in for one of the fighters at the last minute. It's worth noting that the Armenian agreed to be on standby for the Ilia Topuria vs. Charles do Bronx fight , held in June, which was for the vacant lightweight title. However, the current scenario doesn't interest the athlete, who is ranked first in the division.

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“No, absolutely not. Unless the UFC pays well, I won’t be the backup. But I’ll train in case something happens within two or three weeks. To be able to get into the fight, I have to take the risk,” said the UFC lightweight top contender in an interview with ESPN.

Few options available

Currently ranked number one in the UFC lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan finds himself in an awkward position. With champion Ilia Topuria sidelined indefinitely to address personal issues, and with the fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett , ranked fourth and fifth respectively, now confirmed, the Armenian fighter has few options for a potential opponent.

In the UFC, the athlete defeated Charles Oliveira, former champion of the category and current number two, submitted Dan Hooker , ranked sixth, and lost to Mateusz Gamrot , ranked seventh. Therefore, Max Holloway , who is third in the rankings, is the one left for Tsarukyan to face. But, unfortunately for the Armenian, the veteran has already accepted the challenge made by Do Bronx.

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