“Joe Rogan Made a Mistake Calling Paddy to the Cage,” Says Arman Tsarukyan
Tsarukyan Speaks Out After UFC 317, Calls for Merit-Based Title Shots
Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 2 ranked UFC lightweight as of July 1, 2025, has spoken out following the controversial post-fight moment at UFC 317.
After Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira in the first round, Joe Rogan invited Paddy Pimblett into the cage for a face-off a move Tsarukyan called a mistake.
“It shouldn’t happen again,” Tsarukyan said. “That’s how you start turning this into a popularity contest, not a sport. No disrespect to Paddy, but that moment wasn’t earned.”
Read more: Topuria shocks Oliveira with first-round KO
Rogan’s Callout Faces Criticism
The moment caught many by surprise, including UFC CEO Dana White, who has since said he did not support the idea of Pimblett being brought into the cage unannounced.
It raised questions about the UFC’s matchmaking direction, especially in a stacked division where rankings don’t always seem to matter.
Read more: Dana White slams UFC 317 faceoff between Topuria and Paddy
Tsarukyan Still Waiting for His Shot
Tsarukyan was supposed to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 but pulled out due to a back injury.
That setback, along with a fine and suspension earlier this year for an incident with a fan at UFC 300, has slowed his path to a title shot.
Even though he remains one of the top contenders, Tsarukyan hasn’t fought since late 2024 and might now need one more win to secure his shot.
A fight with Dan Hooker, who is coming off a strong win over Mateusz Gamrot, is a realistic next step.
Read more: UFC 318 Main Card Fighter Pulls Out
Lightweight Division Balancing Popularity and Performance
With fighters like Topuria, Gaethje, Pimblett, and Charles Oliveira in the mix, the UFC’s lightweight division is both crowded and unpredictable.
Topuria’s knockout win has pushed him to the top of the pound-for-pound list, while Pimblett continues to grow in popularity.
Read more:
What’s Next?
Tsarukyan believes fighters should earn their moments in the spotlight.
As he works to return from injury, a win over someone like Hooker could reestablish his title claim and put him back in front of the camera for the right reasons.
Read more: Ilia Topuria made this promise to UFC
Stay tuned to Let’s Go For That for all the latest news from the UFC’s lightweight division.
