A simmering feud inside the UFC‘s light-weight division has boiled over, with Paddy Pimblett launching a verbal assault on prime contender Arman Tsarukyan. The British star claims Tsarukyan is lucky to nonetheless have a job with the promotion, not to mention be in title rivalry, after the Armenian fighter was handed over for an interim championship battle.
The controversy stems from the UFC’s determination to e-book Paddy Pimblett in opposition to Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC Light-weight Championship at UFC 324 in January. This transfer sidelined Tsarukyan, the division’s number-one-ranked contender, sparking debate throughout the game. In a current interview, Pimblett provided a blistering evaluation of why Tsarukyan was missed.
“Don’t be a spoiled little brat, and also you would possibly find yourself getting in good graces,” Pimblett acknowledged. “It’s his personal fault, lad. It’s his circle of relatives’s fault for letting him be a spoiled little child his entire life. He’s fortunate he nonetheless hasn’t been reduce, by no means thoughts he’s not preventing for the belt. He’s fortunate to nonetheless be on the roster.”
Pimblett Cites Previous Conduct as Profession-Limiting Transfer
Pimblett’s criticism extends past the present matchmaking drama, pointing to a sample of conduct he believes has eroded Tsarukyan’s standing with the UFC brass. He particularly referenced Tsarukyan’s withdrawal from a scheduled title battle in opposition to then-champion Islam Makhachev in January 2025, which occurred on extraordinarily brief discover.
“He pulled out the day earlier than, lad,” Pimblett asserted, difficult the legitimacy of the cited harm. “You don’t get an harm the day earlier than, you’re simply fats and off form.”
Pimblett additionally alluded to different controversial incidents, together with Tsarukyan’s bodily altercation with a fan throughout his walkout at UFC 300 and a pre-fight headbutt on opponent Dan Hooker. These actions, mixed with what Pimblett characterises as a way of entitlement, have, in his view, price Tsarukyan dearly. “He thinks that as a result of his dad’s a millionaire, he pays his means into issues like this. It doesn’t work like that with the UFC,” Pimblett added.
Dana White Confirms “Man Shit” Behind the Scenes
Whereas Pimblett supplied a fighter’s perspective, UFC CEO Dana White provided a extra cryptic however confirming clarification for the snub. In feedback to The Mac Life, White acknowledged the scenario however emphasised that the explanations would stay non-public.
“Arman’s a person, he is aware of how this performed out,” White mentioned. “Pay attention, a variety of man shit occurs on this enterprise, and we preserve it between us males.”
White had beforehand been clear that Tsarukyan’s last-minute withdrawal from the Makhachev battle was a pivotal second, stating the contender must “battle to regain his spot” within the title image.
Division on Maintain as Tsarukyan Plans Subsequent Strikes
Together with his instant path to UFC gold blocked, Tsarukyan’s subsequent steps are unsure. He has opted to remain lively within the grappling scene, with matches scheduled for late December and early 2026. He has additionally spoken publicly a few longer-term curiosity in pursuing a profession in triathlons after his preventing days are over.
The choice to bypass the number-one contender has not sat properly with everybody within the MMA neighborhood. Even reigning champion Islam Makhachev expressed his perception that Tsarukyan was deserving, stating, “In fact, I believe Arman ought to have gotten the title shot.”
For now, the highlight shifts to Las Vegas in January, the place Paddy Pimblett will vie for championship gold in opposition to Justin Gaethje. In the meantime, Arman Tsarukyan is left to observe from the sidelines, a scenario his fiercest rival believes is solely of his personal making.
Continuously Requested Questions
Why was Arman Tsarukyan not given the interim title shot?The first purpose was his last-minute withdrawal from a scheduled title battle in opposition to Islam Makhachev in early 2025. UFC President Dana White indicated this determination meant Tsarukyan must earn his means again. Previous unprofessional conduct additionally reportedly broken his standing with promotion officers, as detailed in studies from Bloody Elbow.
What precisely did Paddy Pimblett say about him?Pimblett referred to as Tsarukyan a “spoiled little brat” and claimed his household enabled poor conduct. He asserted Tsarukyan was “fortunate” to not have been launched by the UFC and criticised him for pulling out of a championship battle and different controversial actions.
What’s Tsarukyan doing now that he isn’t preventing for the title?Together with his UFC schedule on maintain, Arman Tsarukyan is competing in grappling matches. He has bouts lined up for December 30 and in early 2026. He has additionally mentioned a future curiosity in competing as a triathlete.
Who’s preventing for the interim light-weight title as an alternative?Paddy Pimblett will face Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC Light-weight Championship at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. The winner is anticipated to face the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria, upon his return from a private hiatus.
Do different fighters assume Tsarukyan was wronged?Sure. A number of notable figures, together with present champion Islam Makhachev and former two-division champion Henry Cejudo, have publicly acknowledged they consider Tsarukyan deserved the title alternative based mostly on his rating and meritocratic credentials.
