Paddy Pimblett Dismisses Arman Tsarukyan’s Title Hopes Ahead of UFC 329: “He Needs To Fight”

British sensation Paddy Pimblett has plenty on the line heading into UFC 329, where he'll face fellow lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis in a fight that could very well propel him back into the title picture. 

But before stepping into the spotlight, "The Baddy" took aim at another top-ranked name in the division. Speaking during the UFC 329 media scrum, Pimblett questioned whether Arman Tsarukyan deserves to be mentioned in the championship conversation at all, arguing that the Armenian has spent too much time away from MMA competition to justify a title shot.

Paddy Pimblett Questions Arman Tsarukyan’s Place in Title Race

Tsarukyan has long been viewed as one of the lightweight division's elite contenders, but his inactivity over the past year has clearly cast a shadow over his UFC credentials. While discussing potential challengers for the lightweight title, the Liverpool native argued that contenders need to earn their opportunities inside the Octagon, not away from it.

"He needs to fight. He's had like one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum," Paddy Pimblett said. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people."

Pimblett's comments were aimed at Tsarukyan's recent schedule, which has included appearances in freestyle wrestling events away from UFC competition. Although the 29-year-old remains one of the division's highest-ranked fighters, Pimblett believes those appearances do little to strengthen his case for a championship opportunity.

Paddy Pimblett Wants to See Tsarukyan Fight Regularly

He doubled down on that stance by urging Tsarukyan (23-3-0) to return to active MMA competition instead of focusing on exhibitions. When asked who the Armenian should fight next, Pimblett said, “(Fight) anyone. Just fight someone. Get in the octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet, eating food.”

In fact, after facing Dan Hooker last year, Tsarukyan has yet to face a UFC Lightweight. Instead, the grappler has made several RAF appearances. 

For Pimblett (23-4-0) and most importantly for UFC matchmakers, activity matters just as much as rankings. With several lightweight contenders vying for position, he believes fighters should prove themselves inside the cage if they want to stay in the title conversation.

Pimblett Reflects on Justin Gaethje Loss and Eyes Another Shot

While Pimblett has his sights set on Benoit Saint-Denis this weekend at T-Mobile Arena in Vegas, he admitted the ultimate goal is earning another crack at reigning lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

The pair went five hard rounds earlier this year, with Gaethje handing Pimblett a unanimous decision defeat before later capturing the undisputed lightweight title against Ilia Topuria. Looking back, Pimblett said he came away with an important lesson.

"I'm not going to use it as an excuse but the eye poke did change the fight in a big way. The damage on my face was from an eye poke right hand." He added that the foul affected him for a significant portion of the fight.

"It wasn't just an eye poke. I felt his thumb touch my brain. So it was a bit heavy. I couldn't see for about two rounds after it."

Even so, Pimblett credited “The Highlight” for going on to dethrone Ilia Topuria and become the undisputed champion. In fact, he believes that the result has only strengthened his own portfolio.

"Obviously with him winning and becoming undisputed champion, it looks good for me. I said after he beat me, I said he was going to beat Ilia Topuria. I said it was fate that he beat me. It was his destiny to win the title at the White House. I was just in the way."

High Stakes for Paddy Pimblett Saturday Night

A win over Saint-Denis would be a big step toward putting Pimblett back in the lightweight title conversation. With Gaethje now holding the belt, the No. 9-ranked lightweight knows another statement victory could bring him one step closer to the rematch he's been chasing.