Arman Tsarukyan’s Title Shot Snub: Sharaputdin Magomedov Weighs In
Arman Tsarukyan, the number one UFC lightweight contender, was denied a second title shot, and Sharaputdin Magomedov, a UFC middleweight contender, has shared his thoughts on the matter. Tsarukyan was initially given a chance to become the 155-pound kingpin at UFC 311 but had to withdraw due to a back injury. This decision did not sit well with UFC CEO Dana White, who stated that Tsarukyan would have to work his way back up for another title opportunity.
Recently, Tsarukyan made weight for UFC 317 and submitted Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, showcasing his determination to get back in the good books of the promotion. He has also expressed his desire to be the official backup for the UFC 324 headliner, an interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. Despite the earlier setback, Tsarukyan and White have reaffirmed that they do not have a strained relationship, with White acknowledging that Tsarukyan is aware of the reasons behind the title shot denial.
Magomedov’s Insights on the Title Shot Snub
Sharaputdin Magomedov, who is set to face Tsarukyan on December 30 in Armenia, has offered his perspective on why Tsarukyan was denied a second title shot. In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Magomedov stated, “I can see why Arman wasn’t given a shot at the belt. The UFC got new sponsorships with Paramount Pictures, so they need Western audiences, Western fans. Gaethje is a seasoned veteran of the sport; he’s also American. Fans love him, and he has a big fanbase. Pimblett has got some great hype. Arman was given a chance, and the fact that he missed it played a dirty joke on him.”
Magomedov’s comments suggest that the UFC’s decision to deny Tsarukyan a second title shot may be influenced by the promotion’s desire to appeal to Western audiences, particularly with the new broadcast deal with Paramount Pictures. The UFC has officially signed a deal with Paramount, making Paramount+ the exclusive streaming home for UFC events across the United States, Latin America, and Australia. The promotion will debut on the platform with UFC 324, scheduled for January 24, 2026.
UFC 324 Main Card
The UFC 324 main card is expected to feature an exciting lineup, including the interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett. While Tsarukyan may not be getting a title shot, he is still focused on making a statement in the lightweight division. With his upcoming fight against Magomedov, Tsarukyan will look to prove himself once again and potentially set himself up for another title opportunity in the future.
As the UFC continues to navigate its new broadcast deal with Paramount, it will be interesting to see how the promotion balances its desire to appeal to Western audiences with the needs and desires of its fighters. Tsarukyan’s situation serves as a reminder that the world of mixed martial arts is complex and multifaceted, with many factors at play. As fans, we can only wait and see how the situation unfolds and what the future holds for Tsarukyan and the UFC lightweight division.
