UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan’s beef with Paddy Pimblett infuriated one of his former rivals.
Arman Tsarukyan has to go back to the drawing board in his pursuit of a lightweight title shot after his hours’ notice withdrawal from UFC 311 in January. As speculation swirls regarding Tsarukyan’s next fight, he’s ignited a feud with UFC star Paddy Pimblett, and one of his former foes isn’t happy about it.
Tsarukyan was supposed to face UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in the UFC 311 headliner before withdrawing on hours’ notice due to back issues. After Makhachev defeated Renato Moicano in the new UFC 311 main event, UFC CEO Dana White said that Tsarukyan will have to win at least one fight before earning another title shot.
One potential opponent could be the Pimblett vs. Chandler winner from this upcoming weekend’s UFC 314 co-main event. If Tsarukyan had the choice, he’d likely want to face Pimblett next, after the two went back and forth on social media.
Mateusz Gamrot responds to Arman Tsarukyan’s tirade on Paddy Pimblett
It all began when Tsarukyan responded to Pimblett’s accusations regarding his UFC 311 pullout.
“Says the guy who got the easiest path to the top in UFC just because he’s got a funny accent and budget beatles haircut,” Tsarukyan posted.
“I dare you to call me out if you win and we will see who will s— his pants in the octagon when we meet clown.”
Shortly after Tsarukyan’s tweet was posted, one of his former foes scolded him for ducking a potential rematch.
In a recent post to X, Mateusz Gamrot responded to Tsarukyan’s tirade.
“Stop looking for easy fights, especially with a clown,” Gamrot replied.
“Without ambition you will never be a champion, you got a chance to get revenge so accept it.”
Gamrot handed Tsarukyan one of his lone UFC defeats in 2022 in a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate. After five rounds, Gamrot squeaked out a unanimous decision win over Tsarukyan before falling to Beneil Dariush at UFC 280.
As of this writing, Tsarukyan hasn’t responded to Gamrot’s tweet. Tsarukyan has won four consecutive fights since the loss to Gamrot.
Joe Rogan blamed Arman Tsarukyan’s weight cut, not back issues, for UFC 311 pullout
While Tsarukyan blamed his shocking UFC 311 withdrawal on a back injury, UFC commentator Joe Rogan isn’t sold on that narrative. Rogan claimed Tsarukyan’s harsh weight cut to 155 lbs was the real reason behind his decision to pull out of the Makhachev fight.
Tsarukyan remains adamant that his decision to withdraw was strictly injury-based, and not having to do with his weight cutting before UFC 311. Makhachev went on to fight Renato Moicano in the UFC 311 main event.
Tsarukyan could face another top contender, such as the Pimblett/Chandler winner, Justin Gaethje, or a rematch with Oliveira for his next fight. He’s expected to return this summer after his back issues were less severe than first thought.
Pimblett has the chance to shake up the lightweight title mix this weekend at UFC 314. If that’s the case, don’t be surprised if he calls out Tsarukyan for a No. 1 contender fight.
