Paddy Pimblett has made it clear he is not interested in facing fellow UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan, despite Tsarukyan’s position as the division’s No. 1 contender. The Liverpudlian fighter has rapidly gained attention in the UFC after a successful unbeaten start, highlighted by a stoppage win over Michael Chandler in April 2025.
Since breaking into the top ten lightweight rankings, Pimblett has been presented with numerous fight opportunities. However, he prefers to focus on a matchup against Justin Gaethje, a known name in the division, which he believes is more appealing to fans.
Pimblett’s strong words for Tsarukyan and preference for Gaethje
Pimblett openly dismissed Tsarukyan’s appeal, stating,
“No one cares about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight,”
emphasizing the excitement he predicts from a Pimblett-Gaethje clash. He further added,
“Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool, and then it’s me and Gaethje.”
He reiterated that his singular focus is competing for the lightweight title, saying,
“One win away and I’ll be fighting for the belt. That’s always been the aim. It’s the only aim that we have.”
Context of Tsarukyan’s standing and title hopes in the lightweight division
Arman Tsarukyan, despite holding the top contender ranking, has not secured much star power or a consistent spotlight compared to other fighters in the lightweight division. He has not fought since April 2024, when he defeated Charles Oliveira, who has since earned a title shot against Ilia Topuria for the vacant belt at UFC 317 on June 28 in Abu Dhabi.
Tsarukyan’s lack of recent activity and limited mainstream appeal appear to contribute to Pimblett’s reluctance to face him, instead opting for a fight against the more marketable and high-profile Gaethje.
Pimblett sets sights on title fight following potential Gaethje matchup
Pimblett’s next steps likely involve competing again before moving toward a championship opportunity. He stated,
“I know for a fact if I beat Gaethje, I’m next in line. Definitely. It could be (the next fight),”
speaking to TNT Sports. He indicated a preference for fighting at the Abu Dhabi pay-per-view scheduled for October.
He also suggested flexibility in his future opponents, noting that should Ilia Topuria win the title, Pimblett could face him instead of Gaethje, which might be better for his career. He said,
“It’d be far better for my career if Ilia wins because I’d, more than likely, be his first title defence.”
Reflecting on his recent win over Chandler, Pimblett confidently predicted,
“After what I’ve done to (Michael) Chandler, I think I finish Justin Gaethje.”
Upcoming UFC landscape and potential impact on Pimblett’s career
The lightweight division remains dynamic and highly competitive, with multiple fighters jostling for title contention. Pimblett’s refusal to fight Tsarukyan and his clear focus on Gaethje or possibly Topuria reflects a strategic approach to securing the highest-profile matchup available that can fast-track him to a championship bout.
If Pimblett succeeds against Gaethje, he positions himself as a top contender challenging for the belt, potentially shaping the future trajectory of the UFC lightweight scene heading into late 2025 and beyond.