Jorge Masvidal: Arman Tsarukyan Beats Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett on Same Night

Jorge Masvidal said Arman Tsarukyan is the strongest candidate to face Ilia Topuria, underscoring uncertainty around the UFC lightweight picture. In comments on the Death Row MMA podcast, Masvidal argued Tsarukyan would be a difficult matchup for Paddy Pimblett and could also beat Justin Gaethje. The discussion followed UFC 324 in Las Vegas, where Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision in an interim lightweight bout. Topuria recently announced a short break from competition. Tsarukyan watched cageside and was not booked. Masvidal attributed recent delays to a weight mishap and past withdrawal, while Tsarukyan has weighed in as a backup and finished Dan Hooker.