Ali Akbar Rosady
Ahead of his pivotal lightweight bout against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329, British mixed martial arts sensation Paddy Pimblett has escalated the discourse surrounding the competitive landscape of the UFC’s 155-pound division, specifically targeting Arman Tsarukyan. Pimblett, fresh off a grueling five-round encounter with current lightweight champion Justin Gaethje in January, asserted that Tsarukyan’s extended absence from the octagon renders him undeserving of immediate title contention, urging the Armenian-Russian contender to cease his engagements in freestyle wrestling and return to active UFC competition.
Pimblett’s upcoming clash with Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 is widely regarded as a critical juncture in his career. A victory could propel him back into the upper echelons of the lightweight division, particularly following his January bout with Justin Gaethje. Despite ultimately suffering a decision loss to Gaethje, a fight that many observers lauded for its intensity and technical exchanges, Pimblett demonstrated his resilience and ability to compete at the elite level. He notably endured the full 25 minutes against Gaethje, a feat that drew comparisons to Ilia Topuria’s fourth-round knockout loss to the same opponent. This endurance, according to Pimblett, adds a significant credential to his resume, suggesting his capacity to absorb punishment and maintain composure against the division’s most formidable strikers.
Reflecting on his path forward, Pimblett openly acknowledged that securing a win over Saint Denis on Saturday would likely be just the initial step towards another shot at the title. He indicated that the UFC would likely require at least one more victory beyond UFC 329 before he could realistically expect a rematch with Gaethje, who now holds the undisputed lightweight championship. This measured assessment highlights Pimblett’s understanding of the competitive hierarchy and the necessity of building a compelling win streak in a division renowned for its depth and talent.
However, Pimblett’s focus during UFC 329 media day on Wednesday was not solely on his own trajectory. He voiced strong skepticism regarding the inclusion of Arman Tsarukyan in discussions for a lightweight title shot. Pimblett specifically cited Tsarukyan’s perceived lack of activity, stating, "He needs to fight. 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.”
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This pointed criticism from Pimblett stems from Tsarukyan’s reportedly sporadic UFC schedule. While the exact duration of Tsarukyan’s recent inactivity remains a subject of debate, Pimblett’s remarks underscore a frustration with what he perceives as a diluted claim to a title shot when compared to more active contenders. The provided timeline, indicating Tsarukyan has been "out of action since October 2025," presents an unusual chronological reference, potentially signifying a prolonged period of anticipated absence or a misstatement regarding his last official UFC bout. Regardless of the precise date, Pimblett’s contention is clear: sustained octagon presence is paramount for title contention.
Tsarukyan’s last official UFC victory, a dominant performance against Dan Hooker, marked his fifth consecutive win and solidified his position within the top tier of the lightweight rankings. Hooker, a seasoned veteran known for his striking prowess and durability, was largely neutralized by Tsarukyan’s relentless pressure and superior grappling, showcasing the Armenian-Russian’s evolving skillset. Despite this impressive streak, Pimblett’s critique extends beyond the quality of Tsarukyan’s opponents, focusing instead on his broader engagement outside the UFC.
Pimblett explicitly referenced Tsarukyan’s significant involvement in "RAF," a freestyle wrestling promotion, rather than prioritizing his commitments within the UFC. Tsarukyan is indeed scheduled to compete at an RAF event in Georgia on Saturday, further highlighting his active participation in the wrestling circuit. This engagement is set to be followed by a potential showdown against Colby Covington a week later in Milwaukee, though details regarding the nature of this contest (whether it’s a grappling match, a different combat sports event, or another wrestling exhibition) were not specified within Pimblett’s commentary. Critically, none of these engagements are taking place under the UFC banner, a fact that appears to be the primary source of Pimblett’s frustration when Tsarukyan’s name surfaces in title contention discussions.
"Fight anyone. Just fight someone," Pimblett urged Tsarukyan. "Get in the octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your private jet eating food." This statement encapsulates Pimblett’s view that a fighter’s focus should remain squarely on their UFC career, particularly when vying for the sport’s highest honors. It also offers a glimpse into the broader competitive dynamic within the UFC, where active competition and consistent victories are often prioritized over achievements in other disciplines, no matter how prestigious those may be.
The UFC lightweight division is universally recognized as one of the organization’s most competitive and talent-rich weight classes. Beyond Gaethje, a host of formidable contenders populate the top ten, including former champions like Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier, as well as rising stars such as Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush. Each fighter is vying for a limited number of title opportunities, making consistent activity and definitive wins crucial for maintaining relevance. Tsarukyan, currently ranked high within the division, possesses an impressive professional record and a fighting style characterized by relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and improving striking. His technical prowess is undeniable, yet Pimblett’s remarks suggest that talent alone might not be sufficient to bypass the established protocols of continuous engagement within the UFC.
Turning his attention back to his own immediate challenge, Pimblett conveyed strong confidence in his ability to defeat Benoit Saint Denis. Saint Denis, a French former special forces operator, brings an aggressive, submission-heavy style to the octagon, boasting a formidable professional record and a reputation for relentless forward pressure. His recent performances have earned him significant recognition, positioning him as a legitimate threat within the lightweight division. For Pimblett, a victory over an opponent of Saint Denis’s caliber would not only be a necessary step forward but also a significant statement of intent following his experience against Gaethje.
Pimblett also offered further insights into his January encounter with Justin Gaethje, acknowledging the valuable lessons learned. "Don’t go to war with Justin Gaethje," he quipped, referring to the "Highlight’s" notoriously brutal fighting style. However, Pimblett also highlighted mitigating factors that, in his view, significantly impacted the course of the fight. He specifically referenced an eye poke during the bout, asserting, "I’m not going to use it as an excuse but the eye poke did change the fight in a big way. The damage on my face was from an eye poke right hand. It wasn’t just an eye poke. I felt his thumb touch my brain. So it was a bit heavy. I couldn’t see for about two rounds after it.”
Despite these challenges, Pimblett maintained a respectful tone regarding Gaethje’s subsequent achievements. He praised Gaethje for his victory over Ilia Topuria, which saw him claim the undisputed lightweight title, fulfilling what Pimblett himself had predicted. "Obviously with him winning and becoming undisputed champion, it looks good for me," Pimblett remarked. "I said after he beat me, I said he was going to beat Ilia Topuria. I said it was fate that he beat me. It was his destiny to win the title at the White House. I was just in the way.” This blend of self-reflection, strategic thinking, and magnanimity towards a former opponent underscores Pimblett’s complex approach to his career, where personal ambition is intertwined with an appreciation for the broader narrative of the sport.
As UFC 329 approaches, Pimblett’s critical remarks towards Tsarukyan add another layer of intrigue to the already dynamic lightweight division. His upcoming fight against Benoit Saint Denis is not merely about securing a win; it is about reinforcing his own title aspirations and substantiating his claims that consistent activity and dedication to the UFC octagon are prerequisites for championship contention. The outcome of Saturday’s bout will undoubtedly influence Pimblett’s immediate future, while his outspoken stance on Tsarukyan’s activity is likely to fuel further debate among fighters and fans alike regarding the pathways to UFC gold.
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