Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria finally finding common ground will not have been on most fans bingo cards to close out 2025.
The lightweight duo are bitter rivals, dating back years to even before Pimblett’s tenure in the UFC. They had appeared to be on a collision course for lightweight gold to start out next year and the $7.7 billion new Paramount deal, but that fell apart and the Brit now fights for interim gold.
And now, it seems that they have found agreement in one thing – the mocking of top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
Ilia Topuria dismisses Arman Tsarukyan as serious title contender
When Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Goethe was booked for UFC 324, the odd man out appeared to be the Armenian, who hasn’t lost in years and is still ranked number one. But it seems that even Ilia Topuria is on Pimblett’s side when it comes to Tsarukyan’s spot in the division.
The grappling star infamously pulled out of last January’s UFC 311 title fight with Islam Makhachev on hours’ notice, leaving Renato Moicano to step in. He returned with a win over Dan Hooker, but even that was put at risk when he headbutted his opponent at ceremonial weigh-ins.
Speaking with Eldo Burdan, Topuria said of his rival: “Arman is a good fighter. He had his chances, but he refused to compete. All fighters face arm pain, leg pain, and everything, yet we still showed up for the fight.
“Maybe he needs to change his underwear after making that decision. Arman, from here, you can go f—- yourself.”
Paddy Pimblett has the same sentiment about Arman Tsarukyan
In fact, Pimblett had pretty much the exact same to say about the controversial lightweight when he spoke to Sky Sports. He branded Tsarukyan a ‘spoilt brat’, and insisted he is nowhere near a title fight just yet despite his ranking – even claiming he’s lucky to still have a job.
“Don’t be a spoiled little brat and you might end up getting in good graces,” Pimblett said. “It’s his own fault lad. It’s his own family’s fault for letting him be a spoiled little baby his whole life.
”He’s lucky he still hasn’t been cut, never mind he’s not fighting for the belt. He’s lucky to still be on the roster.”