​Paddy Pimblett has taken aim at Arman Tsarukyan’s bid for a lightweight title, arguing that the challenger has not done enough to earn a shot at the belt. Pimblett voiced his criticism of Tsarukyan’s recent activity in the UFC and suggested that the Armenian-Australian fighter needs to stop “tickling people” in wrestling-style bouts if he hopes to remain relevant in the title conversation.
Ahead of his own upcoming co-main event clash at UFC 329 against Benoit St. Denis, Pimblett dismissed the notion that Tsarukyan should be next in line for a title opportunity. “He needs to fight,” Pimblett told reporters during UFC 329 media day when pressed about Tsarukyan’s status as a potential title challenger. “He’s had like one fight in three years, and he beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people.”
Pimblett’s comments come amid a stretch of inactivity for Tsarukyan, who has kept a relatively low profile inside the Octagon since his last appearance, a victory over Dan Hooker in November of the previous year. The champion’s position, currently held by Justin Gaethje, has remained entrenched as the 155-pound division’s top prize, with Gaethje having recently defeated Pimblett and Ilia Topuria in defense of his belt or in high-profile matchups, depending on the specific frame of reference.
Pimblett didn’t mince words about what he sees as Tsarukyan’s path to a title shot. He urged the challenger to step back into action and prove himself in the Octagon rather than campaigning from the sidelines. “Fight anyone. Just fight someone,” he added. “Get in the Octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet eating food.” The insinuation is that Tsarukyan’s lifestyle and frequent appearances in non-UFC contexts have diluted the urgency of his title bid, according to Pimblett.
Tsarukyan has been outspoken in his quest for a title fight for some time, repeatedly publicly pressing for a championship match. The path to that title, however, has been complicated by the dynamic nature of the lightweight division, where Gaethje’s status as champion is tempered by the presence of other top contenders and a fluctuating fight schedule. Gaethje’s recent wins, which include victories over Pimblett and Topuria, have positioned him as a formidable champion, but his willingness to defend against new and marquee challengers remains a topic of ongoing discussion among fans and analysts alike.
In this context, Pimblett’s critique underscores a broader debate about what constitutes a legitimate title shot in a stacked division. For Pimblett, the answer appears straightforward: a consistent, high-frequency fighting schedule and a string of meaningful, in-octagon performances that demonstrate dominance or clear progression. In his view, Tsarukyan’s lack of activity has undermined his claim to the next title opportunity, regardless of potential wins or past performances in other circuits or events.
As UFC 329 approaches, both fighters sit in contrasting positions within the lightweight hierarchy. Pimblett is preparing for a high-stakes matchup that could reposition him within the division’s upper echelon, while Tsarukyan remains a prominent name in the conversation for a title shot, yet without the momentum Pimblett believes is necessary to warrant such a challenge. The ongoing dialogue about Tsarukyan’s eligibility and the timing of a potential title bout reflects the broader uncertainties and strategic calculations that define the modern UFC landscape, where activity, marketability, and performance all influence the likelihood of a championship opportunity.
For fans and analysts, Pimblett’s comments add another layer to the discourse surrounding the 155-pound division. Whether Tsarukyan can use the next stretch of fights to demonstrate sustained activity and victory will be critical in determining if he can overcome the skepticism Pimblett has expressed and secure a rightful claim to the lightweight title in the eyes of promoters, peers, and the division’s fanbase.