Arman Tsarukyan’s Sensational Double Attack: “Topuria Chose an Easy Fight, Paddy is a Clown”

UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has never been one to mince words, and his latest comments have sent shockwaves across the MMA community. In a bold and fiery statement, the surging 155er accused reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria of cherry-picking opponents and slammed the UFC’s apparent push to build Paddy Pimblett into a title contender, calling the Liverpool star “overhyped” and undeserving.

Tsarukyan, riding high after his recent performances, made it clear that he isn’t impressed with how some fighters are being fast-tracked, particularly when their resumes don’t match their media buzz.

“Ilia Topuria? He’s just picking easy fights. He doesn’t want real competition,” Tsarukyan said in an interview this week. “And Paddy Pimblett? Please. That guy doesn’t deserve a title shot at all. He hasn’t fought anyone legit. He’s being protected.”

Tsarukyan on Topuria: “He’s Not Ready for Real Pressure”

Tsarukyan, known for his grueling wrestling and relentless pace, didn’t hold back when talking about the UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who recently claimed the 145-pound title in dominant fashion.

While Topuria’s unbeaten record and highlight-reel performances have won him praise and popularity — especially in Spain and Latin America — Tsarukyan believes the hype is inflated.

“He’s talented, I won’t lie. But look at who he’s fighting. Where’s the challenge? Where’s the adversity? You’re champion, okay, but now defend it against killers. Don’t just pick the names that look good on paper but don’t bring danger.”

Although Topuria has called out names like Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, Tsarukyan insists that those fights are more about “brand building” than legacy.

“Everyone wants the legends for clout. But what about real contenders? What about someone like Movsar Evloev? Or even a guy like Arnold Allen? Let’s see if Ilia can beat someone who doesn’t fold in two rounds.”

On Paddy Pimblett: “Popularity Over Merit”

Perhaps the sharpest criticism was reserved for Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, who is reportedly being lined up for a big fight later this year — possibly even a title eliminator or main event slot.

To Tsarukyan, this is pure marketing.

“Paddy is entertaining, sure, but that’s it. He hasn’t beaten a ranked fighter. He got gifted a win against Jared Gordon. He talks big, but he’s not ready for the top 15, let alone a title shot.”

Tsarukyan argued that fighters like Pimblett are skipping the hard path thanks to fan popularity, rather than earning their place through rigorous competition.

“There are killers in this division who don’t get media love. Jalin Turner. Renato Moicano. Damir Ismagulov before he retired. These are real threats. Paddy is nowhere near that level yet.”

He continued, “The UFC should stop protecting him. Put him in with someone like Rafael Fiziev or Grant Dawson — let’s see how long the hype lasts.”

Tsarukyan’s Own Title Aspirations

While he’s busy criticizing others, Tsarukyan has been carving a brutal path of his own. Since his razor-thin loss to Islam Makhachev in 2019 — a fight many praised as the toughest test of the current champ’s career — Arman has collected a string of impressive wins.

Most recently, he secured victories over Beneil Dariush, Mateusz Gamrot, and Joaquim Silva, pushing him to the top tier of the lightweight rankings. Many now consider Tsarukyan as next in line for a title shot or a number-one contender’s bout.

“I’ve fought the hard fights. No easy path for me. If the UFC wants real champions, they know who to call. I’m ready for Islam again. I want that rematch. Or anyone in the top 5 — I’ll finish them.”

Tsarukyan’s combination of elite wrestling, dangerous striking, and relentless cardio makes him a nightmare matchup for any lightweight. Unlike others, he has proven his place through battles, not branding.

The UFC’s Entertainment vs. Competition Debate

Tsarukyan’s comments once again highlight a growing tension in the UFC: the balance between star power and sporting merit.

While fighters like Pimblett and Topuria are undoubtedly valuable assets for the promotion — with global fanbases and marketability — purists like Tsarukyan argue that the rankings and title shots should reflect merit, not popularity.

“This is supposed to be the toughest sport in the world. We should earn everything. Not be given gifts because you sell T-shirts or go viral on Instagram.”

Will the UFC Listen?

It remains to be seen whether Tsarukyan’s words will resonate with the UFC brass. He’s certainly not the first fighter to criticize the matchmaking process or question how stars like Pimblett are treated.

But with his performances doing the talking, and his voice getting louder, Tsarukyan is quickly becoming impossible to ignore.

If fans want legitimacy in rankings and real competition, Arman Tsarukyan is exactly the fighter who represents that ethos.

Whether it’s a rematch with Makhachev, a war with Charles Oliveira, or a fight to humble a rising name, Tsarukyan is ready for war — and he’s not shy about calling out anyone he feels is cutting the line.

And as for Topuria and Pimblett? Arman has spoken — it’s time to prove the hype, or step aside.