UFC star Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has launched a fresh verbal assault on rival Arman Tsarukyan, revelling in the Armenian fighter's failure to secure a coveted title shot.
Title Shot Snub Sparks Feud
The controversy erupted after UFC president Dana White confirmed the main event for UFC 324 on January 24. With undisputed champion Ilia Topuria unavailable, the promotion created an interim lightweight title fight between Pimblett and the dangerous Justin Gaethje.
This decision left many in the MMA community surprised, as Tsarukyan currently holds the No.1 ranking in the 155lb division. His claim was strengthened by a dominant return last month in Qatar, where he submitted veteran Dan Hooker in the second round after nearly a year away from the Octagon.
Pimblett's Scathing Critique
Tsarukyan was furious at being passed over, taking to social media to demand: "Make it make sense." However, his British rival has provided a detailed and brutal explanation for the snub.
Speaking to Coin Poker, Pimblett cited a combination of injury pull-outs and behavioural issues as key reasons. He pointed to Tsarukyan's scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev in January, which collapsed when the Armenian withdrew just a day before the weigh-in citing a back injury.
"We all know he never had a bad back," Pimblett claimed. "I don't know if he s*** himself or he just couldn't make weight but he ruined the whole main event."
The Liverpudlian also referenced Tsarukyan's controversial split-decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300, a result Pimblett personally disputes, and an incident where Tsarukyan punched a fan during a walkout, resulting in a ban and costing the UFC money.
"He then sits out for 11 months saying he deserves a title shot, and turns a fight down. Then he fights Dan Hooker. That’s an easy win for anyone in the top 10 who can grapple," Pimblett concluded.
Salt in the Wounds
Pimblett didn't stop at his interview, actively taunting Tsarukyan online. In a clear reference to a famous movie line, he tweeted at his rival: "You like apples? @ArmanUfc."
This feud adds significant spice to the lightweight division's landscape. Tsarukyan had used his post-fight interview after beating Hooker to call out champion Ilia Topuria, declaring: "There is only one contender and No.1 is Arman Tsarukyan."
Instead, he must watch as Pimblett and Gaethje battle for interim gold at the start of 2026. All eyes will now be on UFC 324 to see if Pimblett can back up his words with a victory, and whether Tsarukyan gets his promised shot at the winner.
