Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think Arman Tsarukyan is the rightful number one contender at lightweight.
This coming Saturday, Paddy Pimblett looks to bounce back from his loss against Justin Gaethje earlier this year when he takes on Benoit Saint-Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event.
‘The Baddy’ is hopeful that with a win over the ‘God of War’, he will immediately return to title contention and will set himself up for a rematch with ‘The Highlight’ who now holds the title.
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Pimblett says Tsarukyan needs to fight to be considered number one contender
For a while now, Arman Tsarukyan has been widely regarded as the rightful lightweight number one contender after accumulating five wins in a row.
Despite that, ‘Ahalkalakets’ hasn’t fought in the Octagon since last November when he beat Dan Hooker in the UFC Qatar main event.
Instead, Tsarukyan has been competing almost monthly in Real American Freestyle Wrestling in an attempt to stay active.
But with him not active in the Octagon, Pimblett believes the Armenian has potentially fallen down the pecking order at 155lbs.
“No, he needs to fight, though,” Pimblett said at the UFC 329 media day.
“He’s had like one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum so like, he needs to actually fight not go round in a singlet tickling people.
“(He should fight) anyone, just fight someone, you know what I mean? It’s like get in the Octagon and actually fight, stop going round on your private jet eating food.”
Arman Tsarukyan won his match at RAF09 with ease. Credit: Real American Freestyle Wres
Although the Brit is hopeful of a rematch against Gaethje soon, he knows that he will likely need another win if he wins this weekend to cement his spot.
And with that, the 31-year-old has begun his campaign for a potential fight against Conor McGregor, who finally returns this weekend against Max Holloway.
Despite Pimblett’s desire to share the cage with ‘The Notorious’ Irishman, though, McGregor has shut down the potential of moving back to lightweight following UFC 329.
Who will fight for the lightweight title next?
The lightweight title picture is seemingly up in the air, despite Tsarukyan being most fans’ choice.
Ilia Topuria is unlikely to receive an immediate rematch with Gaethje following his disappointing loss this past June.
That leaves the door open for ‘Blessed’…
2026-07-09 13:00:00
