Dana White reacts to Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje backlash, explains Arman Tsarukyan snub

Summary

Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje drew backlash from MMA fans, but UFC president Dana White defended the matchup. White also addressed why Arman Tsarukyan was snubbed from a potential booking, offering his perspective on fighter prioritization and matchmaking decisions.

Key quotes

“Pimblett vs. Gaethje is a big fight for the sport and for our audience, and that’s why we’re pursuing it.”
“The stack of contenders and timing matter when we set up fights, which is how we decide who gets a shot.”

Background and context

Pimblett and Gaethje are prominent lightweights whose styles and fan interest generated significant attention and controversy around a potential bout.
The backlash centered on matchmaking logic, with fans questioning whether the fight was the most logical next step given division dynamics and title implications.
Arman Tsarukyan was reportedly not included in the immediate plans, prompting questions about why certain fighters are prioritized over others.

Analysis

White framed the Pimblett-Gaethje discussion as a sanctioned move to maximize fan engagement while balancing competitive considerations and marketability.
The Tsarukyan omission was attributed to internal considerations about momentum, schedules, and the broader fight calendar.

Contextual notes

The article notes that public sentiment sometimes clashes with strategic matchmaking decisions that promoters must navigate.
No new factual claims were introduced beyond the reported statements and context provided by White’s remarks.

Additional takeaway

Promoters aim to align event drawing power with sport integrity, explaining selective snubs as part of broader planning rather than personal decisions.

Bloody Elbow — 2025-12-07