Paddy Pimblett Reveals Why He Has Respect for Ilia Topuria But Not Arman Tsarukyan

Liverpudlian star Paddy Pimblett reveals why he discriminates between two of his most heated rivals in the 155 pound division.

Paddy Pimblett Reveals Why He Has Respect for Ilia Topuria But Not Arman Tsarukyan

Paddy Pimblett trolls both Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria (via BBC, Instagram)

Paddy Pimblett made a statement at UFC 329 as he rebounded from his first UFC loss with a dominant victory. The Liverpool lightweight submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds, immediately restoring his momentum. Now searching for his next opponent, Pimblett has turned his attention toward Arman Tsarukyan.

Pimblett endured a rocky start to 2026 after losing his first UFC title opportunity against Justin Gaethje. The American star handed the Liverpudlian a unanimous decision defeat, slowing his rise toward lightweight gold. Despite that setback, Pimblett still faces a difficult path toward another championship opportunity.

Pimblett’s rivalry with former champion Ilia Topuria dates back to their UFC London 2022 hotel altercation, which intensified their tension. The rivalry has continued since then, keeping a potential matchup in focus. Recently, Pimblett acknowledged his respect for Topuria, while taking a harsher stance toward Tsarukyan.

If I fight Ilia or Arman, I’m gonna absolutely rinse their lives. Don’t get me wrong, I respect Ilia, but we’ve had beef for years, I think he’s a little helmet. Arman Tsarukyan I’ve got no respect for at all, he’s just rich kid, who’s daddy’s a millionaire.

Paddy Pimblett via The Greenlight podcast

Pimblett did not hold back despite saying he respected Topuria after his brutal title loss to Justin Gaethje. The defeat came in the UFC Freedom 250 main event, ending Topuria’s unbeaten run. Pimblett also claimed to have bought the stool Topuria retired on, but the original claimant later denied it as an ‘El Matador’ fan.

In a separate attack, Pimblett blasted both Tsarukyan and Topuria while discussing their lightweight positions. He acknowledged Tsarukyan as the No. 1 contender but questioned his recent activity and opposition. Pimblett was harsher toward Topuria, criticizing his stoppage against Gaethje while celebrating the American’s victory.

Gaethje has offered a clear assessment of a potential matchup between Pimblett and Topuria. The lightweight champion considers Topuria significantly more dangerous while still recognizing Pimblett’s unusual style and effectiveness. Gaethje ultimately believes Topuria would beat the English lightweight in most potential meetings.

Interestingly, Tsarukyan has offered a different solution to the crowded lightweight title picture. The Armenian has backed Gaethje’s retirement, allowing him to face Pimblett in a potential superfight for the vacant title. However, Gaethje has confirmed that he plans to remain sidelined until 2027, delaying that possibility for now.

Tsarukyan is set to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, with the matchup carrying major implications for the 155-pound division. The UFC has reportedly promised Tsarukyan a title shot with a victory, making the result crucial to his next move. Paddy Pimblett, meanwhile, still has to rebuild his case before earning another shot at the title.

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Paddy Pimblett weighs in on recent UFC 330 main event

Islam Makhachev cemented his legacy as one of the UFC’s greatest lightweights before moving up to welterweight. He set division records with five title fight wins, four consecutive defenses, and 14 straight victories. The Dagestani superstar also became the 11th fighter to hold UFC titles in two weight classes.

Makhachev then moved up to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision to capture the 170-pound title. He recently defended the belt at UFC 330, defeating Ian Garry by unanimous decision in Philadelphia. The victory further established his dominance across two UFC weight classes.

Paddy Pimblett at UFC 330
Paddy Pimblett at UFC 330 (via talkSport)

Paddy Pimblett has previously been at odds with Makhachev and backed JDM to defeat him at UFC 322. Makhachev instead dominated the matchup and captured the welterweight title.

The Brit could breathe in the crowd at UFC 330 more easily after Makhachev’s performance against Garry, knowing that the Dagestani phenom had left 155 pounds.

It wasn’t the best fight, but it was two high-level athletes competing — two of the best in the world. When the skill levels are that high between two fighters, it can be a bit of a stalemate. For me, I think Islam won that fight. He won at least three, maybe four rounds. I’m glad he’s not in my division anymore because he’s the best in the world.

Paddy Pimblett via his YouTube channel

Pimblett doubted Makhachev before UFC 280, believing he could not match Charles Oliveira‘s skill set. Makhachev proved him wrong by submitting Oliveira in the second round and winning the vacant lightweight title. From doubting him against ‘Do Bronx’ to relief after his move, Paddy Pimblett’s view has clearly changed.

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