TLDR
- Paddy Pimblett says Arman Tsarukyan hasn’t fought enough in the UFC to deserve a title shot
- Tsarukyan has only competed once in the UFC since late 2025, defeating Dan Hooker
- Pimblett criticized Tsarukyan for focusing on RAF wrestling events instead of MMA fights
- Tsarukyan withdrew from a UFC 311 title fight in January 2025 due to a back injury
- Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 and is working toward another title opportunity
Sources: timesofindia.indiatimes.com | sherdog.com | mmafighting.com
Paddy Pimblett has publicly challenged Arman Tsarukyan’s case for a UFC lightweight title shot, telling the contender he needs to return to the Octagon instead of competing in wrestling matches. Speaking at UFC 329 media day on Wednesday, Pimblett dismissed the idea that Tsarukyan deserves the next championship opportunity.
“He needs to fight,” Pimblett said when asked about Tsarukyan. “He’s had like one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum.”
Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC in November 2025 when he defeated Dan Hooker. Since that victory, he has focused his attention on RAF wrestling events rather than scheduling another MMA bout.
Pimblett took direct aim at Tsarukyan’s wrestling career, saying the Armenian fighter should stop participating in those competitions. “He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people,” Pimblett stated.
The British fighter added that Tsarukyan should accept a fight against anyone in the lightweight division. “Just fight someone. Get in the Octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet eating food,” he said.
#UFC329's Paddy Pimblett tells Arman Tsarukyan to "get in the octagon and fight" if he wants to remain in the title picture:
"He needs to actually fight, and not go around in a singlet, ticking people." pic.twitter.com/0PUKfWx3i5
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 8, 2026
Tsarukyan’s Recent History with the UFC
Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge for the lightweight title at UFC 311 in January 2025. He withdrew from that bout after suffering a back injury during his weight cut, which reportedly disappointed UFC officials.
The withdrawal wasn’t Tsarukyan’s first issue with the promotion. He previously struck a fan during his UFC 300 walkout and broke Dan Hooker’s nose at a weigh-in before their scheduled fight in Qatar.
Despite these incidents, Tsarukyan has remained highly ranked in the lightweight division. He has compiled an impressive 8-0-1 record in grappling and wrestling competitions outside the UFC.
Tsarukyan is scheduled to compete at an RAF event in Georgia this Saturday. He then faces Colby Covington one week later in Milwaukee, but neither of these matches are UFC fights.
Pimblett’s Own Title Path
Pimblett will face Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event of UFC 329 on Saturday. He is working to rebuild his path toward a title shot after losing to Justin Gaethje in January.
That fight with Gaethje went the full five rounds before Pimblett lost by decision. Gaethje later defeated Ilia Topuria to become the undisputed lightweight champion, which Pimblett sees as validation of his own performance.
“I said after he beat me, I said he was going to beat Ilia Topuria,” Pimblett said. “It was his destiny to win the title at the White House. I was just in the way.”
Pimblett admitted he learned a valuable lesson from the Gaethje fight. “Don’t go to war with Justin Gaethje,” he said, while also mentioning that an eye poke during the bout affected his vision for approximately two rounds.
The Liverpool native has stated he knows a win over Saint Denis likely won’t be enough to earn an immediate rematch with Gaethje. He expects to need at least one more victory after Saturday before getting another title.
Some fans and analysts have suggested a rematch between Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira could determine the true number one contender. Their first meeting at UFC 300 was a close contest that could benefit from a second fight.
Current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has not publicly expressed interest in fighting Tsarukyan. The champion appears to be looking at more high-profile opponents for his next title defense.
