Paddy Pimblett rips Arman Tsarukyan's RAF schedule

Paddy Pimblett dismissed Arman Tsarukyan as a legitimate lightweight title threat, telling reporters Wednesday that Tsarukyan needs to get back in the octagon instead of chasing RAF matches.

Speaking at UFC 329 media day, Pimblett took aim at Tsarukyan's inactivity since October 2025 and his continued involvement with the freestyle wrestling promotion. "He needs to fight," Pimblett said, per MMA Fighting. "He's had like one fight in three years and he beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people."

Pimblett's Path Back to Gaethje

The Liverpool fighter meets Benoit Saint Denis on Saturday looking to position himself for another crack at champion Justin Gaethje, who handed Pimblett a decision loss in January before capturing the undisputed title from Ilia Topuria. Pimblett survived all five rounds with Gaethje — a mark in his favour considering Topuria got stopped in four — but acknowledged he probably needs two more wins before earning a rematch.

Tsarukyan beat Dan Hooker last October for his fifth straight victory but has since focused on RAF appearances, including a Saturday event in Georgia followed by a Colby Covington exhibition one week later in Milwaukee. None of those bouts count toward UFC rankings, which is exactly Pimblett's complaint. "Just fight someone," he added. "Get in the octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet eating food."

Pimblett also revisited his Gaethje loss, saying an eye poke midway through changed the trajectory of the fight. "I felt his thumb touch my brain," he said. "I couldn't see for about two rounds after it." He stopped short of calling it an excuse but said the facial damage stemmed from a right hand that landed immediately after the foul.

UFC 329 goes Saturday night with Pimblett hoping a win over Saint Denis keeps him on track for another title shot later this year.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Paddy Pimblett criticizes Arman Tsarukyan’s lack of activity, tells him to stop ‘tickling people’ in RAF