Paddy Pimblett announced plans to fight in October 2025, calling out Justin Gaethje while dismissing Arman Tsarukyan as irrelevant. In a May 2025 BBC Sport interview, the British lightweight aimed for a title shot, sparking a heated response from Tsarukyan.
Born January 3, 1995, in Liverpool, England, Paddy Pimblett holds a 22-3 MMA record. Joining the UFC in 2021, he’s 6-0, debuting with a knockout over Luigi Vendramini. His latest win was a submission against Bobby Green at UFC 304 in July 2024. Ranked No. 13 in the lightweight division, Pimblett returned after a year-long injury layoff.
October Fight Plans
Pimblett said, “I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage.”
He considered Ilia Topuria but noted his booking against Charles Oliveira.
He focused on Gaethje, stating, “I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje,” citing fan interest.
Pimblett rejected Tsarukyan, saying:
“No one cares about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight.” He added, “Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool, and then it’s me and Gaethje.”
He claimed, “One win away and I’ll be fighting for the belt,” eyeing a title shot with a Gaethje win.
Tsarukyan’s Retort
Arman Tsarukyan, born October 11, 1996, in Akhalkalaki, Georgia, responded:
“Your UFC career is built on handouts, hype, and shortcuts to the top.” Shared on social media, his reply criticized Pimblett’s rise, per posts on X.
It was obvious you were talking trash with zero intention of backing it up. Your UFC career is built on handouts, hype, and shortcuts to the top. https://t.co/N1uI7km3Ao
— Arman Tsarukyan UFC (@ArmanUfc) May 30, 2025
Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1 with a 23-3 record, defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 311 in December 2024.
Justin Gaethje, born November 14, 1988, in Safford, Arizona, has a 25-5 record. A former interim lightweight champion, he lost to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024. Ranked No. 5, he averages 7.4 significant strikes per minute. Pimblett sees Gaethje as a high-profile path to the title.
Tsarukyan’s wrestling, with 4.2 takedowns per fight, contrasts Pimblett’s grappling. His retort reflects frustration with Pimblett’s profile despite fewer ranked wins.
Fan posts on X from May 30, 2025, debate Pimblett’s readiness for Gaethje over Tsarukyan.
Islam Makhachev holds the lightweight title after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024. Tsarukyan is a top contender, while Gaethje seeks a comeback.
Pimblett’s callout aims to skip contenders, but his ranking may require another win.
Pimblett is unbooked, targeting October 2025. Gaethje and Tsarukyan’s plans are unconfirmed. Dana White has not addressed Pimblett’s callout.
This feud fuels interest in Pimblett’s title chase.
