TLDR
- Arman Tsarukyan posted a social media breakdown before UFC 324 that accurately predicted Paddy Pimblett’s loss to Justin Gaethje
- Pimblett went 0-for-5 on takedowns and was outlanded 200-170 in total strikes, matching Tsarukyan’s predictions
- Pimblett was suspended for at least 30 days by the Nevada State Athletic Commission due to damage sustained
- Tsarukyan has criticized Pimblett’s performance and wants to fight him next, creating a public rivalry
- Pimblett dropped to number seven in the lightweight rankings and is considering Dan Hooker as his next opponent
Sources: FOX Sports | MMA Junkie | Cageside Press
Arman Tsarukyan is getting attention for more than just his fighting skills. The lightweight contender posted a detailed breakdown on social media before UFC 324 that perfectly predicted how Paddy Pimblett would lose to Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett suffered his first UFC loss on January 24 at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. Gaethje won the interim lightweight title by unanimous decision with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
Tsarukyan’s pre-fight post identified the exact problems that would doom Pimblett during the five-round fight. He highlighted weaknesses in Pimblett’s striking defense and predicted the English fighter would struggle to implement his grappling game plan.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The fight statistics from ESPN proved Tsarukyan’s prediction correct. Pimblett went 0-for-5 on takedown attempts against Gaethje, meaning his best path to victory never materialized.
Gaethje outlanded Pimblett in total strikes 200-170. He also scored multiple knockdowns during the bout, controlling the key exchanges throughout all five rounds.
UFC president Dana White criticized Pimblett after the fight for not adjusting his strategy earlier. White said Pimblett should have leaned more heavily into wrestling and submissions when the striking battles turned against him.
Pimblett was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the fight due to visible cuts and damage sustained. The Nevada State Athletic Commission suspended him for at least 30 days under medical protocol.
The suspension falls under Section 467.562 of the Nevada Administrative Code. Pimblett cannot compete or participate in full training until cleared by a commission-approved doctor.
Tsarukyan Waiting in the Wings
Tsarukyan has been vocal on social media about wanting to face Pimblett. After UFC 324, he criticized Pimblett’s performance and said the title opportunity was wasted.
The rivalry between the two fighters is now public and growing. Many consider Tsarukyan the most difficult possible opponent for Pimblett’s return fight.
Pimblett’s post-UFC 324 record stands at 23-4 overall with a 7-1 mark inside the UFC. He has 7 wins by knockout or TKO and 10 by submission.
At 31 years old, Pimblett is not in a rebuild phase of his career. However, experts suggest he should avoid another five-round war for his comeback fight.
Tapology’s post-UFC 324 lightweight rankings list Pimblett at number seven. This position keeps him in the top 10 but removes him from immediate title contention.
Dan Hooker is being discussed as a potential next opponent for Pimblett, depending on Hooker’s result against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325. That matchup would test whether Pimblett learned from the Gaethje fight without throwing him into another brutal assignment.
Pimblett spoke briefly in the Octagon after his loss. “I’m 31. I’ll be back better,” he said, making it clear he plans to return once fully recovered.
Gaethje’s victory pushed him closer to a title unification bout. He plans to retire in the near future but will do so at the highest level of competition after capturing interim gold.
