Paddy Pimblett is preparing for a crucial fight against Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, but that has not stopped him from weighing in on the lightweight title picture.
The Liverpool native believes Arman Tsarukyan’s position near the top of the rankings is justified on paper. However, he argues that inactivity has become a major issue and should prevent Tsarukyan from receiving an immediate shot at UFC gold.
Pimblett calls out Tsarukyan’s lack of UFC activity
Tsarukyan remains one of the highest-ranked contenders at 155 pounds, but his time inside the Octagon has been limited in recent years.
A scheduled title fight at UFC 311 never materialized after a back injury and difficult weight cut forced him out of the event. Since then, Tsarukyan has focused much of his attention on wrestling and grappling competitions while also growing his social media presence.
That decision has not impressed Pimblett.
“Arman probably is the rightful number one contender, but he doesn’t fight,”
“He’s fought once in three years and beat a bum that they call Dan Hooker. He’s too busy doing wrestling matches,”
‘Get in the octagon and actually fight’
Pimblett doubled down on those comments during UFC 329 media day, insisting that contenders should be active if they want to stay in the championship conversation.
“He needs to fight though,”
“He’s only had one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight.”
The outspoken lightweight also took aim at Tsarukyan’s recent involvement in grappling events.
“Not go around in a singlet tickling people. Anyone. Just fight someone, know what I mean? Get in the octagon and actually fight.”