Makhachev Comments on the Situation Surrounding Tsarukyan

The reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has commented on the ongoing situation in the lightweight division, where Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje are set to compete for the interim title.

"Let the organization not be offended, but there are fights happening that are increasingly unclear to me now. I think Arman should fight for the title. But Arman isn't going to fight now; Pimblett and Gaethje will compete. Whoever wins will then face Ilia Topuria. This means Arman will have to wait another year," Makhachev said in an interview with the Red Corner MMA YouTube channel.

As a reminder, Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje will battle for the UFC lightweight interim belt at UFC 324, which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, USA, on January 25, 2026. Following this, according to UFC president Dana White, the winner will face the current champion of the same weight class, Ilia Topuria, who is currently taking a short break due to personal issues.