Paddy Pimblett has never been shy about speaking his mind, and as title fight conversations heat up in the UFC lightweight division, “The Baddy” is once again steering the narrative. While many fans expect a grudge match between Pimblett and Ilia Topuria to settle their long-standing rivalry, Pimblett has made it clear that there’s another fighter in the mix who he believes presents the real challenge: Arman Tsarukyan.

The Liverpudlian contender recently shared his analysis of the division, and in doing so, dismissed Topuria’s path to the lightweight title while pointing to Tsarukyan as a more dangerous matchup for him stylistically.

Downplaying Topuria’s Title Run

Ilia Topuria’s rise through the UFC ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish-Georgian fighter became a two-division champion after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at featherweight before moving up to lightweight and capturing the 155-pound belt. His finishing power, charisma, and undefeated record have quickly made him one of the sport’s biggest stars.

But Pimblett isn’t buying the hype. He has repeatedly criticized Topuria’s résumé, suggesting that his path to UFC gold was easier than advertised. “He had to beat Josh Emmett to get a title shot,” Pimblett said. “Who did he beat? Ryan Hall, Josh Emmett, Bryce Mitchell… That was one of the easiest routes I’ve ever seen to a title shot.”

While the rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria adds fuel to the fire, the Englishman insists that his assessment goes beyond personal animosity. From Pimblett’s perspective, Topuria’s striking prowess is undeniable, but his journey to the top lacked the kind of challenges faced by other contenders.

Why Tsarukyan is the Tougher Fight

When asked to put his personal rivalry aside and identify who would be the more dangerous opponent between Topuria and Tsarukyan, Pimblett didn’t hesitate. “I think stylistically, Arman is the tougher fight than Ilia. He’s more of a proper lightweight. He’s got better grappling than Ilia,” Pimblett said.

Pimblett acknowledged that Topuria may have the edge in striking, but he views Tsarukyan’s relentless wrestling and suffocating top control as a greater obstacle. “Ilia is a better striker, yeah. But I just think, stylistically for me, styles make fights.”

This honest breakdown highlights Pimblett’s respect for Tsarukyan’s well-rounded skill set. The Russian fighter has long been considered one of the most dangerous grapplers in the division, and Pimblett clearly recognizes the difficulties that style could pose for him inside the Octagon.

The Rivalry Still Looms

Despite Pimblett’s admission, fans and the UFC itself may have other plans. A showdown between Pimblett and Topuria has been building for years, fueled by trash talk, tense encounters, and fan demand. A fight between the two would likely be a blockbuster pay-per-view headliner, drawing massive interest both in Europe and globally.

Even Pimblett admits that while Tsarukyan may be the harder fight, the Topuria bout is the one with more attention and financial reward. The UFC has always valued storylines, and the rivalry between “The Baddy” and “El Matador” is one of the most heated in recent memory.

Tsarukyan Waits for His Moment

Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan finds himself in a frustrating position. Ranked No. 2 at lightweight, the 27-year-old was sidelined by a back injury that forced him out of UFC 311, where he was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev. That missed opportunity left Tsarukyan watching as Topuria claimed the vacant belt.

While Pimblett may see Tsarukyan as his toughest test, the Russian isn’t expecting that fight to materialize anytime soon. In a recent interview, Tsarukyan admitted that the UFC is more likely to book Topuria against Pimblett than against him. “The UFC could even put Topuria against a debutant. But I think it’s more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje,” he told Sport24.

Tsarukyan has stayed active by competing in grappling tournaments, including a no-gi showdown with former UFC star Benson Henderson, but he knows timing and matchmaking politics will play a huge role in his championship future. “He won’t want to fight me because he can make more money fighting Islam, and he has the chance to become the first-ever triple champion in history,” Tsarukyan said of Topuria.

Styles Make Fights: Pimblett’s Honest Assessment

Pimblett’s recognition of Tsarukyan’s danger speaks to a larger truth in MMA: styles make fights. Topuria may have the hype, the belt, and the power to end fights with one strike, but Tsarukyan’s grinding pace and grappling-heavy approach could test Pimblett’s gas tank and defensive wrestling in ways Topuria might not.

For Pimblett, acknowledging that reality shows maturity in his fight IQ. “Ilia is a better striker, yeah. But I just think, stylistically for me, Arman is the tougher fight,” Pimblett explained. It’s a rare moment of humility from a fighter known for brash confidence, underscoring that while rivalries matter, he sees the bigger picture of how matchups really play out.

What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?

The lightweight division is as crowded as ever. With Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Mateusz Gamrot, and Tsarukyan all in the mix, the UFC has no shortage of options for Topuria’s first title defense. However, Pimblett’s undefeated UFC record, charisma, and bitter feud with Topuria make him the frontrunner.

If Pimblett gets his wish, he’ll eventually test himself against Tsarukyan, but the money and fan demand suggest his next fight will be against Topuria. The UFC may choose to strike while the rivalry is red-hot, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated fights in years.

Conclusion

Paddy Pimblett’s latest comments once again prove that he’s not afraid to go against the grain. While the rivalry with Ilia Topuria remains one of the UFC’s hottest storylines, Pimblett has made it clear that Arman Tsarukyan is the tougher stylistic matchup. For him, Topuria might be the louder name, but Tsarukyan is the greater danger.

Whether the UFC books Pimblett vs. Topuria or Pimblett vs. Tsarukyan first, one thing is certain: “The Baddy” has put himself at the center of the lightweight title picture. Fans can expect fireworks no matter which direction the promotion chooses, but for Pimblett, the difference is clear — Topuria brings the drama, while Tsarukyan brings the danger.