Paddy Pimblett’s push to UFC title contention questioned by former champion

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 10:54 AM ET

Paddy Pimblett has somehow managed to earn himself a shot at interim UFC gold despite a dearth of top wins, and one former champion is calling foul.

The Brit dominated Michael Chandler in his last outing back in April, earning him a spot in the top ten at lightweight. However, as contenders ahead of him took losses throughout the year, he snuck into the top five without fighting again.

It had seemed that his feud with champion Ilia Topuria was going to see him get a shortcut to the belt. But when that fell through due to personal issues for the Georgian, Pimblett managed to stay in the interim title picture where he faces Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

Luke Rockhold questions Paddy Pimblett’s push to UFC title fight

One man who is not convinced yet by Paddy Pimblett is former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold. The recently retired star believes there is no value to the interim belt at all, and questions how Pimblett would qualify for a shot at it even if there were value.

“I think they’re trying to do anything they can to put little Paddy into a title situation,” Rockhold told Submission Radio. “I’m annoyed with fighters that think the interim title means anything. You see guys like Justin Gaethje and he knows it.

“He knows that none of that s— really means much to him because he wants to be the real champion. Then Paddy is talking about he’s going to be champion and this and that, it’s already there. It’s like, ‘that belt means something? Come on.’

“They’re doing anything they can to get Paddy the best matchups to be a champion and bring that love back to the UK. So I don’t know, it’s not my favorite.”

Luke Rockhold reckons Arman Tsarukyan deserves the title shot at UFC 324

Rockhold feels that number one contender Arman Tsarukyan is a more worthy challenger for the belt, adding that “Arman’s a beast.

“Look what he’s doing in grappling right now and how he’s just destroying these guys,” he continued. “That’s not easy. Then how he translates that into fighting? He is a problem for everybody.”

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

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