What happens when a proper fighter gets mugged off by a podcast host with delusions of grandeur? You get Arman Tsarukyan having a complete meltdown at UFC 317, watching his title shot evaporate whilst some Scouse lad gets the Hollywood treatment. The Armenian scrapper went full conspiracy theorist, claiming the sport had turned into WWE – and honestly, he’s not entirely wrong.

Let’s set the scene properly, shall we? Islam Makhachev decided to bugger off to welterweight, leaving the lightweight belt vacant. Ilia Topuria stepped up to claim the crown with a knockout so crisp it belonged in a Michelin-starred restaurant, becoming the tenth two-division champion in UFC history. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan sat ringside as the backup fighter, having pulled out of his original title shot against Makhachev on weigh-in day.

The Rogan Factor

Here’s where it gets properly mental. Joe Rogan decided to play matchmaker. Without consulting anyone with actual authority, he dragged Paddy Pimblett into the octagon for an impromptu face-off with the newly crowned champion. It was like watching your mate’s dad try to DJ at a wedding – technically possible, but absolutely nobody asked for it.

Tsarukyan’s reaction was pure gold: “This is not a sport – this is WWE.” The man had a point, but the damage was done, and suddenly everyone’s favourite Liverpool loudmouth was in the title conversation despite having the resume of a substitute teacher.

The Politics of Prizefighting

The lightweight division has always been a political minefield, but this situation takes the piss entirely. Tsarukyan has been grafting through the rankings like a proper professional, collecting scalps and building his case methodically. Meanwhile, Pimblett gets fast-tracked because he’s got the gift of gab and social media following.

Justin Gaethje was also lurking about, threatening to retire if he doesn’t get his shot. The former interim champion and BMF title holder has legitimate claims, but his ultimatum approach feels more desperate than strategic. At least Tsarukyan kept his dignity whilst voicing his frustrations.

The Entertainment Versus Sport Debate

This whole debacle perfectly encapsulates the tension between sport and entertainment that’s been plaguing MMA since Conor McGregor proved talking bollocks could be more profitable than actual fighting. Tsarukyan represents the old school – work your way up, earn your stripes, let your fists do the talking. Pimblett embodies the new approach – build your brand, create drama, let the algorithms do the heavy lifting.

The problem is both approaches have merit in today’s landscape. Tsarukyan might be the superior fighter, but Pimblett brings eyeballs and revenue. It’s the dilemma of giving fans what they deserve versus what they’ll actually watch. Unfortunately, it’s only the sport that suffers when entertainment value trumps competitive integrity.

Looking Forward

Tsarukyan’s confidence in beating Topuria isn’t just bluster – the man’s got serious skills and has been consistently excellent against top-tier competition. His wrestling pedigree and tactical awareness make him a nightmare matchup for most lightweights. But in a sport where perception often matters more than reality, his weigh-in day withdrawal against Makhachev still haunts him like a bad hangover.

The real test will be whether the UFC chooses merit over marketing. Tsarukyan has earned his shot through the traditional route, but Pimblett represents the social media era where followers matter more than fundamentals. It’s a crossroads moment that could define how title shots are earned in the modern era. What do you reckon – should title shots go to the most deserving fighter or the one who brings the most entertainment value?