UFC lightweight title contender sends harsh message to Paddy Pimblett

Arman Tsarukyan is still bitter about the current state of the UFC’s lightweight division.

One day before he was scheduled to compete for the world title, Tsarukyan suffered a back injury to halt plans for a UFC 311 main event fight in January against then-champion Islam Makhachev.

Tsarukyan has not been granted a redo since. As his frustration continues to mount, so does the UFC’s apparent favoritism toward other contenders like Paddy Pimblett.

In Tsarukyan’s opinion, according to an interview with The Overdogs Podcast, he deems it unfair given Pimblett's body of work.

Tsarukyan Remains Displeased With Pimblett

Tsarukyan is it angry at the UFC — Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“You’ve got to delete [Pimblett] from the rankings,” Tsarukyan said.

Why? Tsarukyan said it's rather a matter of who Pimblett fought, and when.

"He beat the last three guys, it was [Michael] Chandler, he had three losses," Tsarukyan said. "It was Bobby Green, he had three or four losses. It was Tony Ferguson, he had eight losses. That’s crazy, and you want to bring that guy to fight for the title? You shouldn’t even mention his name, he doesn’t even deserve even mentioning his name.”

Paddy Pimblett Is Not Title Shot Worthy, Tsarukyan Claims

Pimblett doesn't deserve a title shot according to one contende — Apr 12, 2025; Miami, Florida, UNITED STATES; Paddy Pimblett (blue gloves) fights against Michael Chandler (not pictured) during UFC 314 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tsarukyan says the UFC doesn’t even know which direction it’s going in, making it more confusing.

“Nobody said he’s getting the title shot,” Tsarukyan said. “So they are still figuring out who is fighting for the title, me, [Justin] Gaethje, or Paddy. But I know they’ve got to put me because I’m the No. 1 contender right now.”

Tsarukyan may have to cave into the UFC’s demands and face another lightweight contender.

“I mean, if it’s not a title fight, it’s probably Gaethje or Pimblett or Hooker,” Tsarukyan said.

But if it were up to Tsarukyan, one contender sticks out. An added bonus: he has championship experience, which is something Tsarukyan still seeks.

Justin Gaethje (red gloves) fights Rafael Fiziev (blue gloves) during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“If it’s Gaethje, it’s a good fight,” Tsarukyan added. “He’s a good striker, but he used to be a wrestler, so now he strikes more. It’s a good fight for me. All of them are good fights for me, so it’s easy money.”

For now, it remains to be seen what the UFC does next.

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