Paddy Pimblett Criticizes Rivals and Faces Discipline

Paddy Pimblett is back in the news with sharp criticism for his lightweight rivals and a looming disciplinary hearing for a rule breach during his last victory. The outspoken UFC contender has taken aim at both Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria in recent days, even as he awaits a hearing over a purse withheld from his July win over Benoit Saint Denis.

Pimblett's Scathing Take on Tsarukyan's UFC 331 Win

Pimblett did not hold back in his assessment of Arman Tsarukyan's performance at UFC 331 last Saturday. Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy with elbows in the first round of their co-main event in Los Angeles. Pimblett gave Tsarukyan credit for the finish but was otherwise unimpressed. He said on his YouTube channel that Tsarukyan "looked pretty sh*t up until the point of the elbow." Pimblett argued the fight exposed holes in Tsarukyan's much-hyped wrestling game, noting he couldn't take down Ruffy despite the Brazilian's known defensive struggles. "His wrestling is not as good as he thinks it is," Pimblett stated, adding he would still "punch his head in" if they fought.

Pimblett Blasts Topuria's 'Sore Loser' Allegations

The Liverpool fighter also roasted his longtime rival Ilia Topuria. Topuria recently accused Justin Gaethje of tampering with his gloves before their January title fight, which Gaethje won by TKO. Pimblett dismissed the claims outright. "Ilia is just being a sore loser, a little b-- about it," he said. He suggested the allegations could set up an immediate rematch between Topuria and Gaethje, potentially complicating the title picture. Pimblett himself lost an interim title bout to Gaethje at UFC 324 in January before bouncing back with a win. A grudge match with Topuria remains a distinct possibility for him later this year.

A Monster Weight Cut and a Withheld Purse

Pimblett's return to the win column at UFC 329 in July came after a massive physical effort. He revealed he cut a staggering 46 pounds to make the lightweight limit. He said he weighed 202 pounds on April 10 and was down to 156 pounds for the official weigh-ins three months later. That victory is now clouded by a post-fight issue. Pimblett is facing a disciplinary hearing and had his fight purse withheld due to what was described as a "ridiculous" rule breach at the event. The specifics of the breach were not detailed in the available sources.

Molly McCann's Joint Championship Prediction

Close friend and training partner Molly McCann has big predictions for both of them. McCann, who has retired from MMA and is now 4-0 in professional boxing, believes 2027 will be their year. She told Bloody Elbow she texted Pimblett after his loss to Gaethje, saying, "'2027 me and you will both be world champions again'." McCann fights this weekend in Dublin aiming to go 5-0. She and Pimblett previously held world titles together in Cage Warriors.

Pimblett hasn't fought since that first-round submission of Saint Denis. UFC President Dana White has acknowledged Pimblett is an intriguing option to fight former champion Ilia Topuria, especially if Gaethje does not grant Topuria an immediate rematch. While a title shot against Gaethje or the winner of a potential Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan bout is the ultimate goal, Pimblett may need another high-profile win first. His recent activity on social media and his YouTube channel suggests he is staying in the public eye while awaiting his next assignment and resolving his disciplinary matter.

• Pimblett criticized Arman Tsarukyan's wrestling after his UFC 331 knockout win, saying he "looked pretty sh*t" for most of the fight.
• He called Ilia Topuria a "sore loser" for alleging Justin Gaethje cheated with glove tampering in their January title fight.
• Pimblett completed a 46-pound weight cut for his UFC 329 win in July, but had his purse withheld for a rule breach and faces a hearing.
• Longtime friend Molly McCann predicts both she and Pimblett will become world champions in 2027.