Paddy Pimblett has taken aim at Arman Tsarukyan’s claims to a UFC lightweight title shot, arguing the contender’s recent inactivity should keep him out of the championship picture.
Speaking during UFC 329 fight week, Pimblett acknowledged Tsarukyan’s position in the rankings but pushed back on the idea that he should be next for the belt. “Arman probably is the rightful number one contender, but he doesn’t fight,” Pimblett said.
Tsarukyan, ranked No. 2 at lightweight, was scheduled to challenge for the 155-pound title at UFC 311 in Qatar in January 2025 before withdrawing late due to a back injury aggravated by a bad weight cut. His last proper UFC fight came against Dan Hooker in November 2025, while he has since focused on grappling and wrestling events, going 8-0-1 and growing his following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Pimblett blasted that shift in focus, saying, “He’s fought once in three years and beat a bum that they call Dan Hooker. He’s too busy doing wrestling matches, you know what I mean? So go and wrestle them, mate. You’re not a fighter no more.” He later added, “He needs to fight though,” and, “He’s only had one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people. Anyone. Just fight someone, know what I mean? Get in the octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet, eating food.”
Pimblett, who faces Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 on a card promoted with the headlining matchup billed as “McGregor vs. Holloway 2,” has said he does not believe a win there would be enough to secure him a title shot and is prepared to keep competing afterward. Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria have been mentioned as potential future opponents for Pimblett as the lightweight division continues to feature several popular and active fighters amid talk of a possible Tsarukyan–Charles Oliveira rematch after their close UFC 300 bout.
