Paddy Pimblett dismisses Arman Tsarukyan's lightweight title case

Paddy Pimblett does not think Arman Tsarukyan has earned a UFC lightweight title shot.

Speaking at UFC 329 media day, the Liverpool fighter dismissed Tsarukyan's claim to a championship bout, pointing to the Armenian's limited cage time over recent years. "He's had like one fight in three years, and he beat an absolute bum," Pimblett said, per Sherdog. "He needs to actually fight. Not go around in a singlet tickling people."

Tsarukyan's wrestling ventures draw Pimblett's ire

Tsarukyan last competed in the Octagon in November against Dan Hooker, a victory Pimblett clearly rates as insufficient for title consideration. Since then, the lightweight contender has appeared in multiple RAF wrestling events, appearances Pimblett suggested are undermining his case. "Get in the Octagon and actually fight," he added. "Stop going around on your private jet eating food."

Pimblett faces Benoit St. Denis in the UFC 329 co-main event. Current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who holds recent wins over Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, has not committed to facing Tsarukyan, reportedly seeking higher-profile matchups instead.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Paddy Pimblett questions Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC title shot case