After his great win over UFC 314, Paddy Pimblett focuses on the top names in the lightweight division.
While Pimblett firmly set his sights on Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, there is another name that has called 'The Baddy'.
Arman Tsarukyan has shown interest in fighting Pimblett, with the 28-year-old currently being arranged as the #1 competition for 155 pounds.
Although the fight would certainly be an eliminator, it does not seem as if the Brit is too interested in the matchup at this stage.
Others have expressed some concern about Pimblett opposite Tsarukyan, but a back and forth has begun to develop between the two men.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Paddy Pimblett hits 'Rich Boy' Arman Tsarukyan after 'Handout' Claims
Paddy Pimblett knows that he is only one victory removed from a title shot, especially if Ilia Topuria is able to claim the empty lightweight title in the UFC 317 main event.
'The Baddy' recently told BBC Sport that his preference would be to meet the former interim champion Justin Gaethje when the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi in October.
Arman Tsarukyan responded to these comments by referring to some of the earlier criticism that people have had with regard to Pimblett's UFC career.
It was clear that you spoke about trash with zero intention to support it. Your UFC career is built on hand -outs, hype and shortcuts to the top. https://t.co/N1UI7KM3AO
– Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@aranufc) 30 May 2025
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It is no secret that the top candidate comes from a rich family with his father, Nairi Tsarukyan, who is a successful businessman.
Pimblett emphasized this side to Tsarukyan when he responded to the comments of his co -light weight competition on X (formerly Twitter).
The Brit also referred to UFC 311, where Tsarukyan withdrew from his lightweight Title Rematch with Islam Makhachev because of a back injury the day before the event.
Rich boy who talks about hand -outs🤣 You are everything handed on a silver dish, all your life by daddy, you said I wouldn't fight you, it's just nobody to give you after withdrawing Islam because of a “back injury” we all know that you are really with sauce or https://t.co/y8l908wturss
– Paddy Pimblett (@paddythebaddy) 31 May 2025
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Arman Tsarukyan is now in a somewhat difficult position
As the best competition in the lightweight division, Arman Tsarukyan does not want to fight against opponents who are too far among him in the ranking.
He has already earned a shot in the title, but his withdrawal from UFC 311 in January means that he still has to win to restore his status.
Tsarukyan leaves that with very few options, especially as Paddy Pimblett against Justin Gaethje fights.
UFC Lightweight Ranking Fightercurrent Fight Booked#1ARMAN TsaruuKyannot Booked#2Charles Oliveirilia Topuria – UFC 317#3justin Gaethjenot booked#4max Hollowydustin Poirier – UFC 318 mputinpimax Klein – UFC Vegas 107#8paddy Pimblettnot booked#9beneil Dariushrenato Moicano – UFC 317#10renato Moicanobeneil Dariush – UFC 317
Of all the potential instructions in which he could go, it would be very logical for Tsarukyan to fight against Dan hooker given the tension between them in the past.
The loser of Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira could be another option for him.