Arman Tsarukyan remains the odd man out in the UFC lightweight title conversation, despite doing everything asked of him inside the Octagon.
With Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett set to clash for an interim title at UFC 324, and reigning champion Ilia Topuria stepping away to deal with personal matters, Tsarukyan finds himself stuck in limbo. The No. 1-ranked contender has no clear timeline for a title shot, even as the division moves forward without him.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes that situation makes little sense. In his view, Tsarukyan represents the toughest test waiting for Topuria, regardless of when the fight eventually happens.
“This guy might just be the best lightweight in the world,” Cormier said.“Since Islam’s gone, he’s really good. He’s big, strong, physical. The champion Ilia Topuria is tremendous. I think Ilia and Arman are the two best guys in the world. I think they need to fight at some point.”
Cormier acknowledged the star power of the UFC 324 headliners but stressed that Tsarukyan offers something different, both stylistically and competitively.
“Paddy Pimblett is awesome. Justin Gaethje’s awesome,” Cormier said.“But Arman and Ilia have something. Not just skill-wise, but something you can build a great fight around. Arman’s fantastic. He looked great against Dan Hooker, too.”
Tsarukyan is currently riding a five-fight winning streak that includes statement victories over Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveira, and Beneil Dariush. By any standard metric, his résumé screams title shot. Yet, he remains on the outside looking in.
The roadblock traces back to January, when Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. An injury suffered during fight week forced him out, prompting UFC CEO Dana White to say Tsarukyan had “blown his opportunity” and would need to work his way back.
Tsarukyan did exactly that, returning in November and stopping Hooker inside two rounds. Still, White maintained that more work was required before another title chance would materialize.
Cormier admits he struggles to understand the logic behind the continued delay but believes there’s more happening behind closed doors.
“I don’t know why Arman’s not fighting for a title. I really don’t,” Cormier said.“I thought that by weighing in as the backup fighter and then going out and fighting Dan Hooker, it would be OK. I don’t know what the conversations are behind closed doors.”
Cormier also pointed out Tsarukyan’s relatively measured response to the situation, suggesting the contender may be receiving reassurances from the promotion.
“They’re telling him something that’s making him OK with it,” Cormier said.“If he wasn’t OK with it, he’d be much louder about not getting his opportunity. We’ve got to accept it for what it is, because it seems like Arman is doing that too.”
As 2026 begins with an interim title fight and the undisputed champion on the sidelines, Tsarukyan continues to wait. Whether the UFC likes it or not, his name remains impossible to ignore and sooner or later, the lightweight division will have to answer the Tsarukyan question.
