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Daniel Cormier explained that Justin Gaethje's interim lightweight title win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 led to Arman Tsarukyan being sidelined from the UFC White House card on June 14, 2026, to feature an 'American guy holding a title.' The event, celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary, avoids spotlighting multiple Russian fighters like champions Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev alongside Tsarukyan. Gaethje now eyes a unification bout with lightweight champ Ilia Topuria, setting up a high-profile American-led main event. This reshuffle prioritizes national appeal for the historic White House South Lawn show. It delays Tsarukyan's title path in the stacked 155-pound division. Official card announcement expected soon.
AgentMMA.com
