Paddy Pimblett and Ilya Topuria, long-time rivals within the lightweight division since Pimblett’s UFC days, aren’t expected to face off by the end of 2025 as many fans might have predicted. Although there were plans for them to compete for the lightweight championship next year under a new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount, those plans fell apart, and now Pimblett is only competing for interim stakes.
Despite their rivalry, the two fighters seem to have found common ground—specifically, in criticizing fellow lightweight Arman Tsarukyan. Although Tsarukyan remains undefeated for years and holds the No. 1 rank, both Pimblett and Topuria dismiss his status as a genuine title contender.
Topuria, who pulled out of his UFC 311 title fight against Islam Makhachev at the last minute, praised Tsarukyan as a skilled fighter but criticized him for refusing to take certain fights. In an interview with Eld Bourdin, Topuria said, “Arman is a good fighter. He had a chance but declined the fight. Every fighter faces challenges, but we showed up. Arman is a great fighter… Perhaps, after that decision, he needs to rethink his place in the division.”
In agreement, Pimblett told Sky Sports that Tsarukyan acts like a “spoiled brat,” is far from deserving a title shot despite his ranking, and is lucky to still be on the UFC roster. Pimblett stated, “Don’t be a spoiled brat and maybe you’ll get the benefits. It’s his own fault, and his family’s fault for spoiling him. He’s lucky he’s still on the roster.”
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Fan Take: This feud highlights the dynamics and politics often at play in MMA rankings and title shots, showing that rankings alone don’t guarantee respect or opportunity. For fight fans, it adds an intriguing layer to the lightweight division, emphasizing that battles outside the Octagon are as impactful as the ones inside.
