Arman Tsarukyan responds to Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 331 criticism

Arman Tsarukyan delivered a statement win at UFC 331. He knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with brutal elbows that left the Brazilian crashing on the canvas in the first round. He is earning widespread praise from the MMA community. 

However, his rival Paddy Pimblett remains critical about Tsarukyan’s performance against Ruffy, and questioned the Armenian’s wrestling. Now, ‘Batman’ has responded to Pimblett’s comments.

Arman Tsarukyan dismisses Paddy Pimblett’s criticism

Many expected Tsarukyan to take down Ruffy and control him on the ground easily. But the fight didn't play out that way; the Brazilian showed incredible takedown defense, and ‘Batman' had to change his game plan, so he trapped the elite striker against the cage and landed brutal elbows to secure the victory. 

Recating to the fight,  Pimblett believes that Tsarukyan was struggling in the fight before finding the finishing elbow. The Brit also questioned Tsarukyan’s wrestling, noting that he was unable to take Ruffy down despite the Brazilian not being known for elite takedown defense. 

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Tsarukyan dismissed Pimblett’s criticism as simply his personal opinion. He expressed confidence by emphasizing that if not for that elbow finish, he would have had another way to get the victory at UFC 331. 

“It's his personal opinion. Everybody has their own opinion. But I know my opinion. Ruffy that night wouldn’t beat me anywhere. If not that elbow, the second round could be a submission, and the third round could be a TKO,” Tsarukyan said. 

Tsarukyan also gave Ruffy credit for his striking ability, calling him the best striker in the lightweight division right now. However, he explained that MMA is different from a pure striking contest because the threat of wrestling can affect how a fighter approaches the fight.

“I think Ruffy is the best striker in our division right now… MMA is different. You can bring the best striker, show him wrestling, and knock him out because he’s going to focus on the wrestling,” Tsarukyan added.

Check out Arman Tsarukyan’s comments below:

Tsarukyan, with the impressive knockout victory over Ruffy, has probably earned the title shot against the reigning champion Justin Gaethje and has shared that talks with UFC brass are leading to the title shot. 

Arman Tsarukyan reveals UFC plans for Justin Gaethje title fight

In a recent video uploaded to his social media account, Tsarukyan shared that the UFC is happy with his performance at UFC 331 and believes that a title opportunity against Justin Gaethje is next. He believes the potential fight will happen in early 2027.

“The bosses were happy with my performance. They told me 'we gonna talk to you next week'. After this I'm gonna get title fight, they said 'yes'. Next fight is gonna be for the title. I wanna fight for the title with champion Justin Gaethje. I hope this fight is gonna happen beginning of next year,” Tsarukyan said.