Matt Brown Criticizes UFC for Overlooking Arman Tsarukyan in Gaethje vs. Pimblett Fight

Matt Brown has voiced his disapproval of the UFC’s decision to overlook Arman Tsarukyan as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett gear up for their upcoming fight. Scheduled as part of the UFC’s new contract with Paramount, this bout will crown an interim lightweight champion.

Background on the Interim Title Fight

The fight between Gaethje and Pimblett is set to take place after the reigning lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, announced he would be taking time off due to personal issues. This decision has left Tsarukyan without a clear chance to compete for the title, particularly after he suffered an injury that forced him to withdraw from a planned title fight against former champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025.

Tsarukyan’s Recent Performance

• In November 2025, Tsarukyan made a successful return to the octagon with a dominant submission victory over Dan Hooker.
• Despite his strong performance and higher ranking, he was not considered for the interim title fight.

Brown’s Critique of the UFC’s Ranking System

In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Fighter vs. The Writer,” Matt Brown expressed that this situation highlights flaws in the UFC’s structure. He believes that the UFC prioritizes entertainment over establishing true meritocracy in sport.

“It’s tragic,” said Brown, stressing that Tsarukyan deserves better recognition given his hard work and skill set. He argued that the decision to sideline Tsarukyan reflects a broader issue within the UFC that can disadvantage fighters.

Potential Fight Outcomes

Brown has suggested that Tsarukyan would likely outperform both Gaethje and Pimblett if given the chance. He criticized the UFC for not following a logic that prioritizes top contenders in determining title fights:

• “We’re not seeing the best fight each other,” Brown insisted, pointing out the implications of the current match-up.
• He believes the winner between Gaethje and Pimblett may struggle against Topuria.

The Stakes of UFC 324

Brown stresses the importance of maintaining the integrity of championship titles. He claims the current fight does not represent the pinnacle of competitiveness within the lightweight division.

“The title should reflect the best fighter,” Brown said, reinforcing his views on how these matchups could tarnish the prestige traditionally associated with being a UFC champion.

Conclusion

As UFC 324 approaches, Matt Brown’s comments raise serious questions about the implications of promotional decisions on aspiring champions like Arman Tsarukyan. The MMA community continues to discuss the implications of such choices on the sport’s integrity and competitive nature.

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