With only a day left until the first major UFC event of the year at T-Mobile Arena, fans are buzzing with intriguing rumors. Chief among them is speculation regarding the lightweight headliner at UFC 324, suggesting that Arman Tsarukyan, currently the number-one contender in the division, may step in as a backup for the highly anticipated matchup between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
Tsarukyan, who recently achieved a significant victory over Dan Hooker, has made a notable impact in the wrestling and grappling scenes. His absence from the upcoming event, which marks UFC’s inaugural major bout under its Paramount+ deal for the interim lightweight title, has led to considerable online chatter about potential conflicts between him and UFC management. The latest suggestion of Tsarukyan serving as a backup fighter has ignited a flurry of discussion, prompting questions about its validity.
An Instagram post from Righthookclub fueled the rumors further, claiming, “BREAKING NEWS: @UFC Doctors say that if Justin Gaethje’s neck wound does not improve by weigh-in time Friday, he will be pulled from the card, and Justin will be replaced with Arman Tsarukyan.” This was corroborated by reports of Gaethje sustaining a neck injury in training, which had raised concerns about his ability to compete. Despite these claims, there remains scant evidence that Gaethje’s injuries would sideline him for UFC 324. Notable MMA journalist Ariel Helwani dismissed the idea of Tsarukyan stepping in, bringing levity to the situation by referencing Gaethje’s ability to fight.
Dana White’s lighthearted response to the rumors seemed to indicate that they hold little weight. Rather than considering Tsarukyan first, it is reported that White might look to other fighters like Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, or Dan Hooker as replacements should Gaethje be unable to compete. Tsarukyan himself has dismissed the notion of stepping in, stating, “I haven’t talked to them, and I wouldn’t cut weight just for money because it’s hard. If they ask me, I’ll do it, but they didn’t ask. It’s better for me not to cut weight. If I cut, I want to fight.”
It is worth noting that Tsarukyan had previously accepted a backup role for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317, where he cut weight in preparation, though he ultimately did not get to fight. Tsarukyan’s current situation reflects prior unresolved issues with the UFC after he withdrew from UFC 311, which may influence his standing in terms of future opportunities.
As UFC 324 approaches, the anticipation surrounding the event continues to grow, with fans hopeful for an exciting fight card that promises to deliver high-stakes action. Despite the rumors surrounding Tsarukyan’s potential backup role, it seems improbable that he will take part in this weekend’s fight unless significant circumstances arise.