The buzz is getting louder about Ilia Topuria headlining UFC 324 coming in January, and everyone’s keen to know more about it. The speculation comes just when UFC is all set to kick-start its historic deal with Paramount+ broadcast.
Meanwhile, UFC Qatar has already started to reshape the lightweight title landscape, and it may affect Paddy Pimblett the most.
Fans must have seen Arman Tsarukyan defeating Dan Hooker at the UFC Qatar event. But that’s not the end, as Arman, after his win, immediately called out Ilia Topuria for a match. This is certainly to bring massive change to Paddy’s position for the upcoming event.
At the same time, Dana White has made it clear that the UFC Qatar main event winner would be facing off for the lightweight title.
Hence, Arman’s position getting stronger makes Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 324 presence uncertain. Not to forget, Pimblett has been considered one of the important contenders for the title race.
Apart from that, even Justin Gaethje is also gearing up for the title shot, making it tougher for Pimblett this time.
Why Paddy Pimblett Needs Justin Gaethje—Or a Backup Role—to Stay in Title Contention?
Even if Arman Tsarukyan vs. Ilia Topuria headlines at UFC 324, there’s a chance Paddy Pimblett can stay relevant for the event.
1. If Paddy Pimblett faces off against Justin Gaethje, To have clarity, UFC can opt to make Paddy Pimblett face off against Justin Gaethje. Both the contenders want to fight for the title shot, and the winner of this match can have a fair claim.
Not just that, this match can be one of the biggest UFC lightweight battles for everyone to watch outside the title bout.
2. Keeping Paddy Pimblett as official backup for UFC 324While moving ahead with the title fight, UFC can keep Paddy as the backup contender for the title picture.
In case either Arman Tsarukyan or Ilia Topuria withdraws, Paddy can step in the battle. Even if not, then he can have another opponent to fight next.
But keeping all of the guesses aside, we see Arman Tsarukyan at the front to fight Ilia Topuria.
Thus, Pimblett must fight Justin Gaethje or simply be a backup contender for the UFC 324 to stay relevant for the upcoming event.
For now, UFC Qatar has surely changed the dynamics, and Tsarukyan is all set to take the story ahead, especially with UFC’s deal with Paramount+ coming this time.