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UFC lightweight contender insists Paddy Pimblett is not worthy of the top 10, let alone a title shot

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 10:22 AM ET

The animosity between UFC lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett shows no sign of waning.

Tsarukyan and Pimblett are among those vying for the first shot at the new UFC lightweight king, who was crowned when Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at International Fight Week in late June.

While those who favor merit are falling on the side of Tsarukyan, others are urging the UFC to capitalize on Pimblett’s face-off with Topuria at UFC 317 by having ‘The Baddy’ jump a queue that also includes veteran brawler Justin Gaethje.

The Russian-Armenian contender is among those pushing back on a Pimblett title shot, and he disagrees with more than just the Scouser’s possible opportunity to become champion.

Arman Tsarukyan rejects Paddy Pimblett’s title credentials — and his ranking

During a recent appearance on Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast, Tsarukyan once again addressed his feud with one of the other leading names in the lightweight title picture.

‘Akhalkalakets’ is not alone in rejecting Pimblett’s title shot credentials. But Tsarukyan went a step further than most, claiming the #9-ranked Pimblett’s run and victory over Michael Chandler do not make him worthy of even a spot inside the division’s top 10.

“You’ve got to delete (Pimblett) from the rankings,” Tsarukyan said. “He doesn’t even deserve to be in the top 10.

“The last three guys he beat, it was Chandler who had three (straight) losses, Bobby Green had three or four losses, Tony Ferguson had eight losses. That’s crazy.

“And you want to bring that guy to fight for the title? That’s just…I don’t know,” Tsarukyan added

Arman Tsarukyan has his own title shot problem

When it comes to Tsarukyan’s attempt to secure the first shot at Topuria’s gold, things recently took a hit.

It would seem that the Russian-Armenian has more to do to convince Dana White and the UFC despite successfully making weight as the backup for UFC 317. But even if he does win again, the champion evidently would not be swayed.

Topuria would rather vacate than fight Tsarukyan, a stance that has quickly seen the Spaniard hit with “ducking” allegations.

“They are gonna give him a fight before the title shot because there’s no way,” Topuria said during a Nelk Boys livestream.

“I’m the world champion, I’m never gonna give him a chance to fight for the world title. I would be like, listen, if that’s the case, take my belt. I don’t do it.”

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

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