As the first Ultimate Fighting Championship event on Paramount+ draws near, the Jan. 24 UFC 324 fight card has generated significant buzz. Scheduled to headline this event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas are Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, competing for the interim lightweight title. However, the selection of these fighters has raised eyebrows as many believed Arman Tsarukyan was more deserving of the opportunity. UFC CEO Dana White indicated that Tsarukyan’s recent head butt on Dan Hooker during ceremonial weigh-ins was a factor in the decision to overlook him.
Despite the head butt appearing harmless—Hooker himself downplayed it, responding with enthusiasm by saying, “Let’s go. I love it”—the incident reflects a broader issue with fighter behavior leading up to matches. The UFC has a history of turning a blind eye to inappropriate actions from marquee fighters. For example, Conor McGregor faced no significant repercussions for violent altercations, such as hurling a metal dolly at a bus packed with fighters. This has led to perceptions of inconsistency in the discipline applied to fighters, especially regarding those who bring in substantial revenue.
While most fighters may lack McGregor’s star power, they are aware that to ascend in the ranks, they must attract attention, often leading to provocative behavior. Tsarukyan, currently looking to regain favor within the organization after a minor slip in judgment, faces a challenging environment where bad behavior is sometimes rewarded. His sole loss in the last 11 fights—a controversial decision—along with a title fight against Islam Makhachev that he had to withdraw from due to injury, places him on precarious ground.
The juxtaposition of Tsarukyan’s predicament with that of fighters like McGregor raises questions about what constitutes acceptable behavior in pursuit of success. The UFC’s leniency towards fighters who command a following could unintentionally create a permissive atmosphere for actions that would otherwise be condemned. Past incidents, such as Jon Jones’s commercial success despite numerous infractions, illustrate a pattern that suggests profitability trumps accountability within the organization.
Moving forward, the UFC appears to convey that it doesn’t necessarily need another McGregor. However, for that to ring true, a commitment to consistently apply standards of behavior is essential. Ultimately, fostering an environment where sportsmanship is valued as highly as skill could lead the UFC to a more sustainable future for its athletes and the organization itself. The hope is that changes are made to ensure that all fighters, regardless of their marketability, are held to the same standards of conduct, promoting integrity in mixed martial arts.