Paddy Pimblett Slams Tsarukyan, Taunts Topuria, and Reveals UFC Plans

Paddy Pimblett is once again making waves in the UFC lightweight division, stirring up rivalries, calling out top contenders, and keeping himself firmly in the headlines. The Liverpool fighter, affectionately nicknamed “The Baddy,” has never been shy about speaking his mind, but in recent weeks, his verbal jabs have reached a new level—directed at none other than Arman Tsarukyan and current champion Ilia Topuria. Following his dominant stoppage victory over Michael Chandler, Pimblett has confidently placed himself in the conversation for a title shot, while simultaneously building tension with some of the biggest names in the sport.

The Chandler Fight and Rise in Rankings

Pimblett’s decisive win over Michael Chandler was a career-defining moment. Critics had questioned whether he could hang with the division’s elite, but his performance silenced many doubters. The victory not only moved him up the UFC lightweight rankings, but also made him a legitimate threat in a talent-stacked division. It also fueled his own belief that he deserves a crack at the championship sooner rather than later.

The result quickly shifted attention toward who Pimblett might fight next. With the lightweight title picture in constant flux, and stars like Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, Arman Tsarukyan, and Ilia Topuria making headlines, “The Baddy” has found himself surrounded by both opportunities and rivalries.

Beef with Arman Tsarukyan

One of Pimblett’s most heated feuds in recent weeks has been with Arman Tsarukyan, the second-ranked contender. The animosity between the two has grown through interviews and social media exchanges. Tsarukyan, known for his technical wrestling and relentless pace, made headlines when he openly stated that Pimblett should be removed from the rankings altogether.

Pimblett wasted no time firing back. In his signature brash style, he referred to Tsarukyan as “posh boy” and “little rich boy Arman,” accusing him of trying to buy his way into fights. He even mocked Tsarukyan for offering an additional £1 million to fight Ilia Topuria, framing it as a sign of desperation.

“Posh boy definitely isn’t deserving,” Pimblett said. “Spoilt, rich baby, trying to pay their way out of things.”

He also reminded fans of the time Tsarukyan withdrew from the UFC 311 main event against Islam Makhachev after reportedly suffering a back injury during a weight cut. Pimblett was ruthless in his assessment, saying, “That’s why he quit when he was making weight in the bath like a little b****. Arman’s irrelevant, no one cares about him.”

The Long-Running Feud with Ilia Topuria

If Tsarukyan has been a recent target, Ilia Topuria has been a long-standing rival. Their bad blood dates back to an infamous altercation in a hotel lobby before a London Fight Night card featuring Tom Aspinall and Alexander Volkov. What started as trash talk quickly escalated when hand sanitizer was thrown, creating one of the more bizarre pre-fight incidents in recent UFC memory.

Since then, Pimblett has kept Topuria in his sights, referring to the Spanish champion by the nickname “the chorizo” and mocking him in interviews. He claimed that fans in America constantly ask him when he will “smash that sausage’s head in.” While the comments are pure Paddy-style humor, they also carry an undercurrent of genuine competitive intent—Pimblett clearly wants the fight.

Interestingly, Topuria has complicated his own title reign by stating that he would rather give up the belt than face Tsarukyan. This remark drew criticism from UFC legends, with some questioning whether the champion is avoiding tough matchups. Pimblett has used these comments to further attack both fighters, presenting himself as the man who is ready to take on all challengers.

Gaethje, Hooker, and Other Lightweight Storylines

While Pimblett’s main verbal battles have been with Topuria and Tsarukyan, he has also touched on other big names in the division. Justin Gaethje, the all-action brawler known as “The Highlight,” has expressed little interest in fighting Pimblett, focusing instead on the title. Nevertheless, Pimblett still sees Gaethje as one of the few opponents who would truly excite him outside of a championship bout.

Then there’s Dan Hooker, the experienced New Zealander, who dismissed the idea of Pimblett getting a title shot, calling it “pathetic.” This did not sit well with the Scouse star, who responded bluntly: “I used to like Dan Hooker. Now you can eat s***.”

Such exchanges only add to the intrigue of a division already brimming with rivalries. With so many possible opponents, Pimblett’s next fight is a topic of heated debate among fans and analysts alike.

What’s Next for “The Baddy”?

Pimblett himself admits he has “no idea” who he will fight next. His ideal scenario? A showdown with Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship. However, given the politics of matchmaking and the fact that Pimblett is currently ranked outside the top five, it may take another big win to secure that shot.

The UFC could also opt to pair him with Tsarukyan, creating a grudge match that has the potential to headline a major card. Alternatively, a bout with a high-profile name like Gaethje or Hooker could further cement his status as a top contender. Regardless of who he faces, Pimblett’s ability to generate attention and sell fights makes him a valuable asset to the promotion.

The Bigger Picture in the Lightweight Division

The UFC lightweight division is in one of its most exciting eras in recent memory. Between the technical brilliance of Makhachev, the striking power of Gaethje, the rising star power of Topuria, and the unpredictability of Pimblett, there is no shortage of compelling matchups. Pimblett’s mix of charisma, confidence, and skill ensures that he will remain a central figure in the division’s storylines for the foreseeable future.

His unapologetic trash talk may rub some fighters the wrong way, but it also fuels fan interest. Whether people tune in to watch him win or lose, the result is the same—Pimblett keeps the conversation alive. In a sport where marketability often plays as big a role as skill in determining opportunities, that is a powerful advantage.

Conclusion

Paddy Pimblett’s recent verbal assaults on Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria have set the stage for some potentially explosive matchups in the UFC lightweight division. His rise from a promising newcomer to a legitimate contender has been fueled not just by his performances inside the Octagon, but also by his knack for generating headlines outside of it. Whether his next fight is for the belt, a grudge match, or a high-profile showdown with another contender, one thing is certain—Pimblett will make sure everyone is talking about it.

For now, “The Baddy” remains one of the most polarizing figures in MMA. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him—and that’s exactly how he likes it.