Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because the MMA world is about to get even more heated! Paddy Pimblett has just dropped a bombshell, revealing a rival he despises even more than Ilia Topuria—and it’s not who you’d expect. Yes, the fiery Brit’s feud with Topuria is already the talk of the town, but there’s another fighter who’s earned his wrath in a big way. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the fights; it’s about the drama, the egos, and the controversies that make MMA so electrifying.
Pimblett, the former Cage Warriors champion, is gearing up for a massive showdown against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, where the interim lightweight title is on the line. A win here could set the stage for a unification bout with Topuria, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Pimblett’s rise to this level hasn’t been without its critics, especially after he jumped from the ninth to the fifth rank without stepping into the octagon. But here’s where it gets controversial: while many are focused on his rivalry with Topuria, Pimblett has made it clear that Arman Tsarukyan is the fighter he truly can’t stand.
In a recent video on Tom Aspinall’s channel, Pimblett didn’t hold back. ‘I just don’t like him anyway, I’ve always thought he’s a piece of s—,’ he declared. ‘I think I hate him more than Ilia now, lad.’ Bold words, right? But what’s behind this intense dislike? Pimblett points to Tsarukyan’s attitude and what he sees as a privileged upbringing. ‘He’s one of those lads who thinks because his family has money, everything’s been handed to him,’ Pimblett explained. ‘He acts like success in the UFC is a given.’
And this is the part most people miss: Tsarukyan’s path to the top hasn’t been without its own controversies. Despite being the No. 1 contender, making weight as the UFC 317 backup, and securing five straight wins—including a submission over Dan Hooker—he was overlooked for the title shot. Pimblett didn’t let that slide, calling out Tsarukyan’s decision to pull out of a fight with Islam Makhachev due to a ‘bad back,’ which he claims was really a weight-cutting issue. ‘Then he turned down a fight with Mateusz Gamrot and took the easiest matchup against Hooker, who’s a banger but can’t grapple,’ Pimblett added.
But here’s the kicker: Pimblett isn’t just talking trash. He’s breaking down Tsarukyan’s game, pointing out weaknesses in his grappling. ‘Hooker nearly guillotined him, and that just shows how bad his grappling is,’ Pimblett said. ‘If I get you in a guillotine, you’re going unconscious.’
So, who’s the real problem here? Is Pimblett just stirring the pot, or does he have a point? Was Tsarukyan’s reaction to being passed over for the title shot valid, or is he just another fighter who’s been handed too much too soon? Let’s not forget the elephant in the room: with Topuria’s future uncertain, the lightweight division is in chaos. Who will come out on top at UFC 324—Gaethje or Pimblett? And what does this mean for Tsarukyan and the rest of the contenders?
Join the debate and have your say! Is Pimblett’s hatred for Tsarukyan justified, or is he just another loudmouth in a sport full of them? And who do you think will walk away with the interim lightweight title on January 24? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
