The rivalry between Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett has escalated sharply after Pimblett made bold remarks about the lightweight title picture. This ongoing conflict in the UFC lightweight division gained momentum following Ilia Topuria‘s knockout victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, where Topuria claimed the championship belt.
Shortly after the fight, Topuria and Pimblett engaged in a sudden staredown initiated by UFC commentator Joe Rogan inside the octagon. The incident frustrated UFC president Dana White and upset Tsarukyan, a seasoned lightweight contender who feels he deserves to be the next challenger for Topuria’s title.
Tsarukyan Strikes Back at Pimblett, Dismisses His Title Ambitions
With the UFC’s plan for Topuria’s next opponent still uncertain, speculation suggests that Justin Gaethje is a likely candidate to face the new champion. Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett, known as ‘The Baddy,’ recently declared his intentions to challenge Topuria for the title, sending a warning to his rivals in the division.
Despite acknowledging that others might be ahead of him in the queue, Pimblett singled out Tsarukyan for criticism. He famously said,
“Other people are probably more deserving, but ‘posh boy’ definitely isn’t – little rich boy Arman,”
Pimblett said.
Tsarukyan responded harshly to Pimblett’s dismissal, labeling the Brit a “trashcan” and accusing him of riding Dana White’s favoritism instead of earning his position.
“You’re a nobody, a trashcan at most. Daddy Dana fed you a couple of senior citizens to build up your hype. That’s all you are, hype. I earned everything in my career, nothing was handed to me you bum. Now sit your goofy a– down and wait until Daddy tells you what to do,”
Tsarukyan posted on X, making his contempt clear toward Pimblett’s rise and perceived undeserved hype.
Tsarukyan Ready to Prove Himself for Next Title Opportunity
Despite the fanbase widely supporting Tsarukyan’s claim to the next title shot, Dana White has indicated that the Armenian fighter still needs to prove himself further before challenging Ilia Topuria. Tsarukyan acted as a backup fighter for UFC 317 but has yet to secure that definitive opportunity for a championship bout.
Expressing frustration over the situation, Tsarukyan declared his willingness to take on another contender in order to demonstrate his readiness and solidify his claim to a title fight. This resolve highlights the serious competition brewing in the lightweight division as fighters vie for a chance at Topuria’s newly won belt.
What the Lightweight Division Faces Next
The feud between Tsarukyan and Pimblett underscores the heightened stakes and tension following the reshuffling of the lightweight championship landscape. With Topuria’s emergence as champion and names like Justin Gaethje also vying for a fight, the division is approaching a critical phase. How the UFC will handle these rivalries and matchups remains highly anticipated by fans and fighters alike.
Tsarukyan’s blunt remarks toward Pimblett and his readiness to compete against other contenders suggest that the road to the lightweight title will be fraught with personal conflicts and fierce competition. The unfolding drama could significantly influence future matchups and title defenses in the division’s coming months.