Paddy Pimblett believes there’s a strong chance the UFC may not give Arman Tsarukyan the next lightweight title shot despite Tsarukyan’s massive knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 this past weekend.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia reacts after a knockout victory against Mauricio Ruffy of Brazil in a lightweight fight during the UFC 331 event at Crypto.com Arena on September 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

According to Pimblett, “Batman” beating No. 7 ranked contender Ruffy and, before that, at UFC Qatar submitting Dan Hooker may not be enough to earn a championship opportunity. The Baddy” also added that, given how tensions have been escalating between Ilia Topuria and 155-pound champion Justin Gaethje, the matchmakers could grant “El Matador” an immediate title rematch. He said:

“With all the stuff coming out now with Ilia and Justin, it wouldn’t surprise me if they end up fighting and having a rematch… Arman has just put himself forward to be the number-one contender there. But at the same time, he only beat the guy ranked number seven. His last win before that was against the guy ranked number six.”

Check out Paddy Pimblett’s comments about Arman Tsarukyan below:

Tsarukyan meanwhile has asked Topuria to rest for a couple more months while he dethrones Gaethje, after which the Armenian has promised to defend the title against Topuria.

Paddy Pimblett was not really impressed with Arman Tsarukyan’s UFC 331 performance

“The Baddy” believes Arman Tsarukyan’s wrestling is not as good as the 29-year-old thinks it is, and against Mauricio Ruffy, Tsarukyan “looked pretty sh*tty” until he landed those devastating elbows to put the Brazilian to sleep. Paddy Pimblett added:

“I thought Arman looked pretty shit*y until the moment he landed that elbow… I think this showed the holes in his game, mate. I don’t think his wrestling is as good as he thinks it is.”

Check out Paddy Pimblett’s comments below:

As Pimblett noted, against Ruffy at UFC 331, before securing the KO, “Batman” had a hard time in the first few minutes of the first frame. He got tagged early, and his eye was badly bruised. Tsarukyan also had a hard time taking Ruffy down and controlling him on the ground.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Arman Tsarukyan of Georgia reacts after a knockout victory against Mauricio Ruffy of Brazil in a lightweight fight during the UFC 331 event at Crypto.com Arena on September 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.