Main: Dana White wraps the middleweight title around Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 as Arman Tsarukyan watches on. Inset: Paddy Pimblett moments before his UFC 314 fight against Michael Chandler. Credit: Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC/Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Paddy Pimblett slams bitter rival for trying to get ‘screen time’ during Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 title win

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 8:23 AM ET

Paddy Pimblett did not miss an opportunity to get more shots off at one prominent figure in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner.

Chimaev emerged victorious from this past Saturday’s UFC 319 pay-per-view in Chicago, where yet another title changed hands in MMA’s leading promotion this year.

In the main event, Chimaev dominated Dricus du Plessis to claim the middleweight throne and remain undefeated in the sport. The key to victory was an ability to stay on top for five rounds, which many had doubted he could do in the lead-up.

‘Borz’ thanked those he worked with during camp for the strong performance and his improved cardio, which had been praised by his most prominent training partner and cornerman — Arman Tsarukyan.

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Arman Tsarukyan was in the firing line as Paddy Pimblett watched the UFC 319 main event

Tsarukyan spoke highly of Chimaev ahead of his first title challenge on August 16 and was among those giving the challenger instructions inside Chicago’s United Center.

The Russian-Armenian was jubilant after the result was read out, but one of his bitter rivals in the UFC saw an ulterior motive.

While reacting to UFC 319 in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Paddy Pimblett accused Tsarukyan of attempting to get as much “screen time” as he could.

The Scouser also made a joke about his foe’s proximity to Chimaev’s UFC gold, stating he won’t get the chance to repeat that when it comes to the lightweight championship.

“Arman doing his best to get as much screen time as he can while his mate wins the belt,” Pimblett said.

“Closest that tool will come to touching (a UFC title).”

Paddy Pimblett is battling Arman Tsarukyan for the next UFC lightweight title shot

While Pimblett and Tsarukyan were already enemies before the events that unfolded at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria’s title crowning and the ongoing title shot sweepstakes have only increased hostility.

‘The Baddy’ has consistently shut down the Russian-Armenian’s credentials while laying claim to the first chance to unseat the new champion at 155 pounds.

In his most recent plea, Pimblett sent a message to Dana White and the UFC, telling them he is ready alongside a video explaining why Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are not worthy of the shot.

“Ready whenever,” Pimblett wrote in the caption on X.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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