Get ready for a heated discussion, because the UFC's recent title shot decisions have sparked major controversy!
The UFC's first two major main events for 2026 have left fans and experts scratching their heads. Paddy Pimblett, who hasn't faced a top 10 lightweight opponent in the UFC, is set to battle Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Meanwhile, Diego Lopes, who lost to featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski less than a year ago, has been granted a rematch.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Arman Tsarukyan, the UFC's current No. 1 ranked lightweight, is left on the sidelines. Tsarukyan, who dismantled Dan Hooker in November, openly stated his willingness to fight again in January. Similarly, undefeated featherweights Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy, with compelling cases for a title shot, were overlooked.
UFC legend Matt Brown, on The Fighter vs. The Writer, shared his thoughts: "It's kind of sad... I hate how I get into this, but it's the definition of a monopoly. Where a single promoter owns the titles and rankings. It's not good for the sport's longevity."
Brown questions the UFC's decision-making, suggesting it may impact the sport's future. He believes a merit-based system is needed for long-term success.
Tsarukyan's case for a title shot is undeniable. He was initially scheduled to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but an injury forced him out. Now, he's back with a dominant win over Hooker, yet Pimblett gets the interim title shot.
"You've got to feel for Arman," Brown said. "He's done everything right except for one injury. It's like a popularity contest now. They should just list the most followers on Instagram for the next title shot!"
Pimblett's recent wins over opponents with a combined 3-12 record raise questions. Brown argues, "We don't know enough about Pimblett. His last three opponents are 0-9 [recently]. That's ridiculous. He hasn't beaten anyone on a winning streak."
Even Gaethje, with a one-fight winning streak, doesn't have an impressive win streak to justify an interim title shot.
"What a wild choice of guys!" Brown exclaimed. "Arman is the obvious choice. It's ridiculous he didn't get the shot."
As for Lopes' rematch with Volkanovski, Brown is baffled. "I don't get it at all. We haven't seen anything spectacularly changed in Lopes' game. How has Movsar not got a title shot? It's the same situation as Arman."
Brown believes this reflects a larger issue in the UFC.
"Guys like Tsarukyan and Evloev, Olympic-level wrestlers, don't want to become champions by putting on a show or becoming Instagram celebrities. They want to be the best athletes."
The UFC's decisions raise questions about the sport's future and the value of rankings.
What do you think? Should rankings play a bigger role? Share your thoughts in the comments!
