“Just Rich Kid”: Paddy Pimblett Blasts Arman Tsarukyan While Calling for Ilia Topuria Fight

Paddy Pimblett is fresh from his stunning first-round finish of Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July. He is now on the hunt for his next challenge to fast-track his title race. 

Besides Pimblett, Topuria and Tsarukyan are currently the frontrunners in the championship debate. And Pimblett has made his stance clear about both. 

Paddy Pimblett Respects Ilia Topuria but Not Arman Tsarukyan

In an episode of the Green Light podcast with Chris Long, Pimblett was candid about where he stands with each man. 

"Don't get me wrong, I respect Ilia, but we've had beef for years. I think he's a little helmet. I'd love to fight him and give him s*** the best f***ing thing in the world," he said. 

"But I've got no respect for Arman. He's just a rich kid. It's like Daddy's a millionaire. Without that, he wouldn't be where he is. He's sitting there eating caviar for $2,000 for breakfast," Pimblett concluded. 

Pimblett is not challenging Tsarukyan's abilities, but rather his character. Meanwhile, Ilia Topuria and Pimblett have a long-standing feud that might result in an exciting bout. 

Pimblett vs. Topuria: Could It Be Next?

Pimblett and Topuria crossed paths in 2021 through a social media conversation involving the Spaniard. It escalated into a physical altercation at a fighter hotel and nearly led to a fight during the UFC 282 press conference in 2022. 

After losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, Topuria has to rebuild his standing. Gaethje has rejected a rematch; thus, Topuria will have to take on a tune-up fight before returning to the title picture. 

And with a built-in backstory, the Pimblett clash ticks all the right boxes for Topuria. Tsarukyan is scheduled to fight Mauricio Ruffy on the UFC 331 card next month. As a result, the Tsarukyan fight does not make sense and would make Pimblett wait for months. 

The Scouser is 8-1 in the UFC and has requested a championship match or someone who can speed up his title journey. With the present setting in the lightweight division, Pimblett vs. Topuria makes sense.