Arman Tsarukyan’s path to a UFC lightweight title fight may have hit another obstacle. With Justin Gaethje now holding the lightweight belt after defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, Tsarukyan remains one of the top contenders. However, Paddy Pimblett believes the Armenian star has done little to earn the next championship opportunity.
Pimblett questions Tsarukyan’s resume
Speaking on Demetrious Johnson’s YouTube channel, Pimblett criticized Tsarukyan for reportedly declining a rematch with Mateusz Gamrot, the only fighter to beat him in the UFC.
“Arman Tsarukyan is a posh boy, a helmet,”
“I’m not a big fan of his at all. I think he’s a f—ing idiot.”
Pimblett also questioned Tsarukyan’s recent résumé.
“I don’t even think he deserves the next title shot, lad,”
He’s beaten Dan Hooker in the past three years. He’s a great athlete. He couldn’t beat Gamrot. Last year, he got offered that rematch and said no.”
Rivalry continues as both await next fights
Pimblett doubled down on his criticism, arguing that a win over Gamrot would have strengthened Tsarukyan’s title case.
Mateusz Gamrot defeated Arman Tsarukyan via unanimous decision UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot on June 25, 2022, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. And Pimblett believes it should be Arman who is fighting Gamrot for the next spot as number 1 contender.
He also ridiculed his win over “bum” Dan Hooker.
“Imagine getting offered a rematch against someone who’s beat you, and you said no. Now that is a b*tch right there.”
“Arman would have been closer to a title shot, beating Gamrot than beating Dan Hooker.”
Dan Hooker’s a bum, lad. Dan Hooker’s a proper bum. Dan Hooker can’t fight to save his life, lad. Michael Chandler knocked him out, and Michael Chandler’s not in the top 15 anymore.”
Paddy Pimblett returns to action next month when he faces Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan remains without a booked opponent as he continues to await his next assignment from the UFC.
With a win, the Englishman’s popularity might make him leapfrog Arman Tsarukhyan as the next contender.