Arman Tsarukyan risks UFC title shot after rejecting Gamrot rematch

Arman Tsarukyan may have cost himself a UFC lightweight title shot by declining a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot, according to Paddy Pimblett.

The 29-year-old Tsarukyan reportedly turned down the chance to avenge his only UFC loss — a decision defeat to Gamrot at UFC Vegas 57 in 2022 — despite the bout potentially moving him closer to a championship opportunity. Pimblett told Demetrious Johnson on YouTube that Tsarukyan's refusal undermines his title credentials. "He's beaten Dan Hooker in the past three years. He couldn't beat Gamrot. Last year, he got offered that rematch and said no," Pimblett said, per a Bloody Elbow transcript.

What declining the Gamrot fight means for Tsarukyan's title path

The rejection could hurt Tsarukyan's standing with UFC brass at a time when Justin Gaethje — the new lightweight champion after dethroning Ilia Topuria at UFC White House in Washington earlier this month — prepares to make his first title defense. Tsarukyan has fought just once in the past two years, submitting Hooker at UFC Qatar. Pimblett argued that beating Gamrot would have carried more weight than the Hooker victory. "Arman would have been closer to a title shot, beating Gamrot than beating Dan Hooker," he said.

MMA Mania first reported Pimblett's comments, which also included pointed criticism of Tsarukyan's recent inactivity and fight selection. Pimblett called Tsarukyan "a f***ing idiot" for passing on the Gamrot bout and suggested the Armenian lightweight's reluctance to take difficult matchups reflects poorly on his readiness for championship stakes. Hooker notably holds a win over Gamrot, though Pimblett dismissed that result in his remarks.

Tsarukyan remains without a next fight booked. Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 next month in Las Vegas.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — ‘Idiot’ Arman may lose UFC title shot (again) after turning down Mateusz Gamrot rematch