Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett isn't backing down from anyone, and he's making that crystal clear! Despite accusations of dodging a potential fight with Arman Tsarukyan, Pimblett is firing back with some strong words. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Pimblett truly fearless, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
As reported on January 15, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET from Las Vegas, the charismatic UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett has vehemently denied claims that he is avoiding a future showdown with Arman Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan, currently riding high in the lightweight rankings, has publicly accused the UFC of protecting Pimblett from facing him – a claim that clearly hasn't sat well with 'The Baddy'.
"That's annoying to me: People are saying, 'You're ducking Arman,'" Pimblett told MMA Junkie and other reporters following an open workout at the UFC Performance Institute. He continued, emphasizing his willingness to face anyone, "I've never been offered to fight Arman. If I ever was offered to fight Arman, I would've punched his head in by now."
Tsarukyan, holding a record of 23-3 (10-2 in the UFC), is considered by many to be the uncrowned king of the lightweight division and the rightful No. 1 contender. This makes his exclusion from the interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 even more perplexing. The event, headlined by a clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, further fuels the perception that Pimblett is being given preferential treatment. And this is the part most people miss: the politics behind matchmaking can be just as important as the fighters' skills.
Pimblett, however, dismisses Tsarukyan's accusations as mere noise. He maintains that he's focused on his upcoming fight against Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) at UFC 324. Should he emerge victorious, he is open to facing any challenger, including Tsarukyan. "He irritates me," Pimblett stated bluntly. "I think he's an absolute helmet. I'd fight Arman in a heartbeat."
Pimblett even went a step further, addressing the current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria's status. "If Ilia can't come back by July then you need to strip him. He's slowing the division. I'll defend against Arman or Max (Holloway) or Charles Oliveira. I don't care." This bold statement not only reinforces Pimblett's confidence but also throws down the gauntlet to the entire lightweight division.
So, is Paddy Pimblett truly unafraid of Arman Tsarukyan, or is there a strategic element at play here? Could the UFC be deliberately building Pimblett's profile by carefully selecting his opponents? Or is Tsarukyan simply frustrated and trying to goad Pimblett into a fight? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
