Paddy Pimblett rooted against Chimaev due to Tsarukyan cornering him

Paddy Pimblett has revealed that his allegiances at UFC 328 were shaped less by admiration for Sean Strickland and more by a desire to see Arman Tsarukyan on the losing side. Speaking on his YouTube channel following the May 9 event, the Liverpool lightweight admitted he was hoping Khamzat Chimaev would fall in the main event largely because Tsarukyan was working his corner.

Pimblett, 31, holds a 23-4 record and is currently ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division. Known for his aggressive output — he lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy — "The Baddy" is rarely shy about sharing his opinions, and his post-event comments make clear that his tension with Tsarukyan extends well beyond the cage.

Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, entered UFC 328 carrying a 31-7 record. The American, who fights out of Xtreme Couture, is one of the division's most active strikers, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute across his career. At 35, the six-foot-one orthodox fighter has a 76-inch reach and has established himself as a durable, high-volume pressure fighter.

Chimaev, meanwhile, arrived as the number-one middleweight contender and the tenth-ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the roster. The 32-year-old carries a 15-1 record and boasts a remarkable 60 percent striking accuracy alongside an elite grappling game, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, "Borz" represents one of the most complete threats in the 185-pound division.

Why it matters

• Pimblett's comments signal genuine animosity toward Tsarukyan, a fellow lightweight with whom a future matchup could carry significant divisional weight.
• At sixth in the lightweight rankings, Pimblett is within striking distance of the contender tier where Tsarukyan operates.
• The personal edge between the two fighters adds a storyline layer to any potential future booking at 155 pounds.