Paddy Pimblett Rips into Criticism Regarding “Handouts” Claim from Rich Lightweight Contender

Paddy Pimblett responds to No. 1-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan's "handouts" claim; retorts to 'rich boy' Tsarukyan for the same.

Paddy Pimblett Rips into Criticism Regarding “Handouts” Claim from Rich Lightweight Contender

Paddy Pimblett responds to Arman Tsarukyan on 'handouts' claim (Source: IMAGO/X)

Paddy Pimblett, in actuality, could be just a scrap or two away from solidifying his chances as UFC 155-pound top seed for gold. Despite claims of boss privileges, Pimblett cracked the top-15 divisional athlete listings and then the top-8 spot. However, one entity that has been taking umbrage with the Scouser talent is the actual former lightweight top contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Both “Baddy” and Arman Tsarukyan know their path could go through each other, very soon. After his PPV title shot pullout at UFC 311, “Ahalkalakets” is square one, and a win over a surging name and brand favorite like Pimblett might be helpful. He has a recent history and a win over the current IFW festivity showcase UFC 317 PPV title challenger Charles Oliveira.

On the other hand, Paddy Pimblett is steps away from being a top contender; if Ilia Topuria wins gold at UFC 317, he wants to amp up the chance with their rivalry and is hoping for a call-up. Pimblett recently told BBC Sports that if not Topuria, he wants former interim champ Justin Gaethje for a Abu Dhabi return in October. Tsarukyan didn’t take kindly to it and retorted on X (@ArmanUfc):

It was obvious you were talking trash with zero intention of backing it up. Your UFC career is built on handouts, hype, and shortcuts to the top.

Arman Tsarukyan via X

Tsarukyan and the rival have had friction before, with the Scouser falling back to the not-so-secret rich origins of the Armenian. Arman Tsarukyan has had the backing of his father and wealthy businessman Nairi Tsarukyan, a fact that Pimblett had previously dissed. This time, the UK native does so yet again, at full length.

Rich boy talking about handouts🤣you’ve been handed everything on a silver platter ur whole life by daddy u 🤡never said I wudnt fight you its just nobody cares about you after pulling out against Islam because of a “back injury” we all know u was menstruating really u sausage🤣

Paddy Pimblett via X

Before his UFC 314 PPV win over a former title challenger, Pimblett’s other wins came over more weathered names like Tony Ferguson, Jared Gordon, and Jordan Leavitt. Hence, many billed it as ‘Dana White’ privilege that he kept getting more swanky fights and even got a 6-fight contractual deal after UFC 314. It is something that had made him consider that the narrative around his highlights shifts and stays the same.

A SOTY-worthy triangle choke over King Green and a beatdown of the explosive Michael Chandler did wonders for his rep. Now, a 28-year-old Tsarukyan would be a proper stiff test for both. Good thing is, Tsarukyan is open to fighting anyone for his crack again. Pimblett has said that so was he. On the adjacent side, though, yet another UFC veteran name defended Baddy on this ‘handouts’ claim.

A UFC legend defended Paddy Pimblett after a rival accused him of receiving “handouts” in form of top fights

Pimblett has been the subject of much discussion ever since he joined the preeminent MMA promotion, following his title stint under the Cage Warriors banner. Through seven UFC competition fights, “The Baddy” is yet undefeated and close to that exclusive ‘8-0’ club as a title contender. The fighter’s performances and statements have led to numerous rivalries.

Paddy Pimblett garners rare defense against Arman Tsarukyan's criticism
Paddy Pimblett garners rare defense against Arman Tsarukyan’s criticism (Source: X)

From a UFC presser scuffle with Topuria to Renato Miocano wanting to bank on this fandom for a super fight, Paddy Pimblett is not drought of enemies. Quite a few such names actually do want the heat and want to face the fighter.

Hence, UFC 155-Pound division’s listed top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, saying he was handed out names has seemed a bit weird. Specifically to Chael Sonnen, who has his take on it, reacting to it on his YT Channel:

Paddy has not had more title shots than he should have at this point in his career, he hasn’t had more main events than he should have had…hasn’t fought more champions than a regular person would have had they not had the favors…As a matter of fact, Paddy hasn’t had any world title fights. As a matter of fact, Paddy’s never been the main event — I just want to look at it from that perspective. … He’s not trying to skip the line.

Chael Sonnen via YouTube

Pimblett himself has shot back for the nth time at ‘rich boy’ No. 1-ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan. At this point, their rivalry is brewing more than ever, and a possible scrapper might be in both of their futures. For now, the Armenian will look forward to UFC 317 to look into the state of the division.

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