Liverpool light-weight Paddy Pimblett has fired pictures at high contender Arman Tsarukyan in a latest interview with MMA Junkie, dismissing rumors that he has averted the Armenian fighter whereas declaring his willingness to face anybody within the division.
“Folks saying I’m ducking Arman – I’ve by no means been provided to struggle Arman,” Pimblett said. “If I ever acquired provided to struggle Arman, I’d have punched his head in by now. He irritates me. I believe he’s an absolute helmet.”
Paddy Pimblett Insults Arman Tsarukyan
The British time period “helmet” is slang for somebody silly or silly, derived from references to anatomy much like calling somebody a dickhead. The insult marks the newest escalation within the brewing rivalry between Pimblett and Tsarukyan, who presently holds the primary contender spot within the light-weight division.
The feud between the 2 fighters has intensified since Pimblett was awarded an interim title shot towards Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Cell Area in Las Vegas. Tsarukyan, ranked primary within the division with a five-fight win streak, expressed frustration over being handed for the chance.
Arman Tsarukyan Controversy
Everybody is aware of that Paddy Pimblett is being positioned as a champion as a result of that is his second,” Tsarukyan mentioned following his November victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar. “They’re aware that if I face him, he’ll lose, and that might diminish his star energy.”
UFC president Dana White confirmed that Tsarukyan’s controversial habits performed a job within the determination. Through the ceremonial weigh-in earlier than his struggle with Hooker, Tsarukyan headbutted his opponent, forcing safety to intervene. In an earlier incident at UFC 300, Tsarukyan tried to strike a fan throughout his walkout, leading to a $25,000 advantageous and suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Fee.
“A 100%,” White advised Barstool Sports activities when requested if the headbutt factored into Tsarukyan being handed over for the interim title struggle. “Lots of issues have factored in.”
Pimblett addressed these incidents directly. “He shouldn’t headbutt people at weigh-ins, then should he? And punch fans walking out,” the Liverpool native said, defending his title shot over the number one contender.
Paddy Pimblett UFC 324
The interim lightweight championship bout at UFC 324 comes after present champion Ilia Topuria introduced he wouldn’t compete within the first quarter of 2026 on account of private causes. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, who holds a 17-0 skilled document, claimed the light-weight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in June 2025 after beforehand holding the featherweight championship.
Pimblett enters UFC 324 with an ideal 7-0 document within the UFC and an total nine-fight win streak. His most up-to-date victory got here in April 2025 when he stopped former Bellator light-weight champion Michael Chandler by third-round technical knockout at UFC 314, breaking into the highest 5 of the light-weight rankings.
I’ve acquired the longest win streak within the division and Justin Gaethje is a perennial contender, he’s an absolute legend,” Pimblett defined within the MMA Junkie interview. “I believe they thought it was the appropriate struggle to make on the time. We’re not operating round punching followers strolling out and head-kicking fighters at weigh-ins. I can perceive why we’re getting it and a few sure others aren’t.”
The 30-year-old British fighter expressed confidence about facing any challenger, including Tsarukyan, after his potential bout with Gaethje. “So yeah, I’d fight Arman,” Pimblett said. “If Ilia can’t come back by June, July, then he needs stripping. He’s slowing the division down. I’ll defend against Arman or Max or Charles or whoever, I don’t care.”
Relating to Topuria, Pimblett acknowledged respect for the champion’s talents whereas sustaining his confidence. “As for Ilia, it’s like destiny. It was meant to occur as a result of all that was simply over nothing, however now we simply dislike one another. I respect him as a fighter – I believe he’s a superb fighter, he’s quantity two pound-for-pound behind Islam for me – however I need to beat him. I need to present everybody why we’ve weight divisions and that he’s simply too small to beat me.”
Tsarukyan has remained active outside the octagon whereas ready for his subsequent alternative. He competed in skilled grappling occasions and gained a freestyle wrestling match at RAF 5 in January 2026, dominating former PFL champion Lance Palmer by technical fall. The Armenian fighter has indicated he’ll journey to Las Vegas as an alternate for UFC 324 in case both principal occasion competitor withdraws.
“I’m available,” Tsarukyan said. “I’m in great shape. If the UFC calls me, I’ll be ready to fight.”
