No chance! Tsarukyan rules out being the immediate reserve for the Gaethje vs. Pimblett fight at UFC 324.

Tsarukyan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

In November, Arman Tsarukyan fulfilled his obligation in UFC Qatar, but was negatively surprised a few days later. All because Dana White ignored the Armenian's victory over Dan Hooker and announced that Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett will be the main fight of the UFC 324, an event scheduled to take place on January 24th in Las Vegas (USA), valid for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). After being passed over by the organization, the athlete made a drastic decision.

When asked if he would accept being the immediate reserve for the important fight, Tsarukyan was blunt, denying any interest in stepping in for one of the fighters at the last minute. It's worth noting that the Armenian agreed to be on standby for the fight. Ilia Topuria x Charles of the BronxThe fight, held in June, was for the vacant lightweight title. However, the current situation is not in the athlete's best interest, as he is ranked first in the category.

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“No, absolutely not. Unless the UFC pays well, I won’t be the backup. But I’ll train in case something happens within two or three weeks. To be able to get into the fight, I have to take the risk,” said the UFC lightweight top contender in an interview with ESPN.

Few options available

Ranked first in the UFC lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan He's in an awkward position. With the champion Ilia Topuria suspended indefinitely to resolve personal issues and with the struggle between Justin gaethje e Paddy PimblettWith the rankings officially confirmed, the Armenian player, ranked fourth and fifth respectively, has few options for an opponent.

In the UFC, the athlete defeated Charles Oliveira, former champion of the category and current number two in it, by submission. Dan Hooker, who held sixth position, and lost to Mateusz gamrot, seventh place. Therefore, Max HollowayTsarukyan is the only opponent left to face, who is currently third in the standings. But, unfortunately for the Armenian, the veteran has already accepted the challenge from Do Bronx.