Paddy Pimblett has had enough of people pestering him about Arman Tsarukyan. So, the Brit held nothing back in his fiery rant against the Armenian, listing out the reasons why the UFC gave him the cold shoulder. Sure, you’d expect Pimblett to discredit his rival at every opportunity he gets. But what’s interesting is that Dana White has echoed similar sentiments.

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are now set to clash on January 24 at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title, with the winner expected to challenge Ilia Topuria. This matchup has made an open mockery of the rankings, where Arman sits at #1. ‘Ahalkalakaets’ is running around doing side quests after finishing Dan Hooker a few weeks ago. Why is he still in the doghouse?

Dana White backs Paddy Pimblett’s criticism of Arman Tsarukyan

Speaking to The MMA Guru recently, ‘The Baddy’ offered more insight into why the UFC made its decision. “I’m getting sick of getting asked about him and people talking about him. ‘Oh, he should be in this interim title fight,’” Paddy Pimblett said. “He shouldn’t f—king headbutt people at weigh-ins, then should he? And punch fans as he’s walking out. And pull out a title fight the night before.”

White agreed with these comments during an interview with Robbie Fox of Barstool Sports. “We knew that would happen, too,” White said, referring to the backlash surrounding Tsarukyan’s snub. When asked whether Arman’s headbutt played a role in the decision, White replied, “100 percent. A lot of things have factored in, you know. Yeah. Yes.”

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Pimblett’s comments reference multiple controversial moments involving Arman Tsarukyan. Most notably, Tsarukyan’s attempt to punch a fan who flipped him off during his walkout to the Octagon for his bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024. The incident resulted in a $25,000 fine and a nine-month suspension handed down by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Then there was the ceremonial weigh-in ahead of his UFC Fight Night main event against Dan Hooker in Qatar in November 2025, where Tsarukyan headbutted Hooker after the New Zealander feinted toward him in an attempt to intimidate. And let’s not forget, the Armenian fighter had already been granted a title shot earlier last year.

Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311. But he pulled out of the fight, claiming he had injured his back, which, by the way, invited its own criticism from fans.

So, for the time being, Tsarukyan is on everyone’s naughty list.  But while Arman may have missed out on becoming the lightweight champion, he might still be able to add reputable names to his resume, thanks to his grappling endeavors outside the Octagon.

Dustin Poirier could return to face Arman Tsarukyan

Dustin Poirier might not have hung up his gloves for good after all, because he appears to be in talks for a fight with Arman. ‘The Diamond’ retired from MMA last year after losing to Max Holloway, closing the chapter on a storied career. But here’s the thing: Poirier’s return won’t be in MMA.

He has remained open to competing in other formats. According to Hype FC CEO Armand Martirosian, Poirier and Tsarukyan could have a grappling match. “We had a conversation with Dustin Poirier to make a grappling match against Arman in February,” Martirosian said. “He didn’t sign the contract yet, but we had a conversation with him.”

And Poirier is not the only high-profile opponent they had on their radar for Arman. A recent revelation said that Hype FC tried to rope in Hollywood star Tom Hardy for a BJJ match against the UFC lightweight. But since that could not come to fruition due to Hardy’s commitments, Tsarukyan met Shara Magomedov on the mats at the end of December.

It appears Tsarukyan is intent on keeping himself busy, while names like Dana White and Paddy Pimblett are presenting a united front to justify the title snub. Whose side are you on?