Paddy Pimblett Blasts Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan for Not Acting Like a UFC Fighter

English lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett calls out Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria for recent performances.

Paddy Pimblett Blasts Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan for Not Acting Like a UFC Fighter

Paddy Pimblett calls out Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan (via The Body Lock, X)

Paddy Pimblett is preparing to return at UFC 329 against Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event. The Liverpudlian superstar has remained vocal about his lightweight title ambitions since entering the UFC. Ahead of his comeback, Pimblett weighed in on the division’s leading contenders. He has criticized Armenian lightweight Arman Tsarukyan and former champion Ilia Topuria over their recent activity.

Tsarukyan has remained active under the RAF banner throughout 2026, already competing six times this year. The Armenian contender is scheduled to face former UFC welterweight Colby Covington in his next appearance at RAF 11. Tsarukyan heads into that matchup after defeating former interim UFC champion Tony Ferguson during his latest outing at RAF 10, extending his activity outside the UFC.

Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC at UFC Qatar in November 2025, submitting Dan Hooker during the second round. That victory marked his first Octagon appearance in two years, following his win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. Despite remaining unbeaten outside the promotion, Pimblett recently questioned Tsarukyan’s limited UFC activity while discussing the lightweight title picture.

Right now, Arman is the clear #1 contender, but he isn’t getting that shot anytime soon. Arman has 1 win in the last 3 years against a bum, he isn’t a real fighter anymore.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC on Paramount

Another fighter targeted by Pimblett was Topuria, whose rivalry with the Liverpudlian dates back to their infamous 2022 UFC London altercation. Their feud continued after Topuria shoved Pimblett at UFC 317 following his lightweight title victory, adding a chapter to one of the division’s most heated rivalries.

Their rivalry has continued across social media, with both fighters repeatedly taking public shots at each other. The feud intensified after Topuria’s title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. Pimblett recently renewed his criticism, accusing Topuria of quitting during the fourth round of their title fight.

He quit! We’re not quitting on the stool, we’re fighters. I celebrated watching Justin win.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC on Paramount

It is important to note that Tsarukyan has been snubbed by UFC CEO Dana White for title shots. His issues began after receiving a suspension for punching a fan during UFC 300. The situation worsened after withdrawing from UFC 311’s main event, and later headbutting Hooker during UFC Qatar weigh-ins.

Pimblett also welcomed a future fight with Topuria once the former champion completes his medical suspension. Topuria received an 180-day suspension after his UFC Freedom 250 loss to Gaethje. Pimblett believes their long-running rivalry can finally be settled when Topuria returns to the Octagon.

Paddy Pimblett remains focused on the immediate challenge awaiting him at UFC 329 against Benoit Saint-Denis. The French contender enters the co-main event riding a four-fight winning streak, presenting another major test. A victory would strengthen the English fighter’s position in the lightweight title race.

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Paddy Pimblett reveals why UFC 329 feels different for him

Paddy Pimblett has established himself as one of the UFC’s biggest stars through his entertaining fighting style and outspoken personality. The Liverpudlian superstar also built a loyal following with memorable post-fight interviews and consistent performances inside the Octagon.

That momentum took a major hit at UFC 324, where Pimblett suffered the first defeat of his UFC career against Justin Gaethje. The loss denied him the interim title and snapped his unbeaten run inside the promotion. It also pushed him out of the immediate championship conversation ahead of UFC 329.

Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight
Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight (via MMA Sucka)

Conor McGregor remains one of the UFC’s biggest attractions because of his achievements, charisma, and ability to generate worldwide interest. The Irishman became the promotion’s first simultaneous two-division champion while headlining some of its highest-selling pay-per-view events.

McGregor now returns to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway in one of the year’s biggest matchups. The Irishman already commands widespread attention as he prepares for his first UFC appearance in five years. Pimblett recently discussed what it feels like to compete on the same card as ‘The Notorious One’.

This is the first time in a long time that I haven’t had this much media attention, and it’s probably because McGregor is the main event.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC

Pimblett’s rise mirrored McGregor‘s after both entered the UFC as Cage Warriors champions. Each quickly built momentum through entertaining performances and growing popularity within the promotion. It remains to be seen whether ‘The Baddy’ can return to the win column at UFC 329 and one day capture a UFC belt like ‘The Notorious’ did.

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